James Clay Perry

James Clay Perry passed away at home in Olathe, Kansas, on October 15, 2025 at the age of 82. Jim was born on June 18, 1943, in Belleville, Kansas, to William Frank Perry and Helen Twila (Speich) Perry. Jim lost his mother at the age of two and was raised by his father and stepmother Ethel Louise (Tootie) Perry Nunn in Herington, Ks.

The family moved to Herington in 1945 when Jim's father began working for the Long Island Railroad. Jim attended St. John's Catholic School and graduated from Herington High School in 1961. He was known in the area for his athleticism and competitiveness, helping Herington win many athletic awards and trophies.

He attended Kansas State University on a football scholarship and played for the Kansas State Wildcats all four years. His fraternity was Delta Tau Delta. Jim participated in the ROTC program and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant upon his graduation. Jim graduated from Kansas State with a degree in physical education.

It was at Kansas State that he met his wife, Karen Leister Perry of Salina, Ks. Jim and Karen were married on August 12, 1967, at St. Mary's Cathedral in Salina and were married 58 years.

He began his tenure in the military in Duluth, Minnesota, followed by a stint in Golden, Colorado. Jim served his country in Vietnam for one year. During that year a very close bond began among five friends that lasted a lifetime. The five, along with their wives, gathered every two years to reunite and share memories. Upon his return from Vietnam, he was stationed in Tucson, Arizona. It was in Tucson that Jim earned his MBA in business from the University of Arizona, graduating cum laude. After Jim's career in the military, where he attained the rank of captain, Jim attended the University of Colorado on the GI bill and received his masters degree in public administration. He then served as city manager for Thornton, Colorado, and was instrumental in helping build Beaver Creek Ski Resort in Colorado before he was hired by CableOne. Jim and Karen lived in Abilene, Kansas, and Joplin, Missouri, until CableOne eventually took him to Gulfport, Mississippi, where they survived Hurricane Katrina and where he remained until his retirement.

Jim and Karen loved to travel. They had many memorable trips with their good friends, Mel and Connie.

Upon his retirement Jim and Karen moved back to Kansas to be closer to family and friends. They especially enjoyed following the activities of their great nieces and nephews. They were season ticket holders for the Kansas State football games for many years, and Jim was a member of the Kansas State Golden Cats Club. They were also able to renew friendships with some of their closest friends from their school days.

Jim loved life. He will be remembered for his big smile, big laugh, and his positive outlook on life. Jim was Karen's caretaker for the last few years. He took care of her with a big heart and lots of love.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill Perry, his brother-in-law Thom McGuire, and his parents-in-law, A.J. and Veta Leister.

He survives his loving wife Karen of Olathe, sister Judy McGuire of Prairie Village, sister-in-law Diane Perry of Wood River, Illinois, sister-in-law Kay Laubhan and husband Vern of Salina, and stepsister Francis Hattabaugh and husband John of Branson, Missouri. Jim is also survived by his nieces and nephew, great nieces and nephews, and many cousins whom he adored.

A committal service will be held on Saturday, November 22 at 11:00am at Roselawn Heights Memorial Chapel, 1920 East Crawford, Salina, Kansas.

Donations to honor Jim's memory may be made to the following: Ahearn Fund, Kansas State University, 1800 College Ave., Manhattan KS 66502.

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