James Howard Perry, Jr.

 

James Howard Perry Junior of Beckley, WV left this world Tuesday September 19th to be with Jesus and his beloved wife Wilma.

Born in Nuriva, WV in Wyoming County, he moved to Mt Hope and then settled in Beckley with his parents James Howard Perry Sr., his mother Katherine Hurt Perry and sister Betty Lou. He grew up in the coal camp at Raleigh, where some of his fondest childhood memories were made, like hopping a train to Blue Hole, and riding sheets of tin metal down the heaps of red dog.

He attended Woodrow Wilson High School, and then went on to enlist in the U.S. Navy. After serving four years he returned home and worked at A&P Grocery and attended Beckley College and Morris Harvey, graduating with a business degree.

He was in business in Beckley for many years operating May Office Service. After closing he sold real estate well up into his eighties.

He had a work ethic like no other, but his last few years had been more restful and one of his largest enjoyments was listening to church services on television on Sunday, going for rides, and as always, talking to people. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Beckley and also attended Living Waters Baptist Church when he was able.

He is survived by daughter Leslie Perry Redden, granddaughter Emogene Grace Redden, sisters in law Barbara Manning and Delores McGhee, and his nieces and nephews, also Gary, Noah, and Patty Raines with whom he was raised like family.

Services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 26, 2023 in the Calfee Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mike Gunnoe officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Friends may visit with the family one hour before the service.

Friends will serve as pallbearers.

“In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, ye may be also.” John 14:2,3