Jimmy Perry

Jimmy Ross Perry of Pine River, MN passed away suddenly on July 5, 2024, at the age of 79. 

Jim was born in his family home in Walden Township on November 21, 1944, to Ross and Marie Perry (nee Larson). He was the youngest of 3 boys and graduated from Pine River High School in 1962. Jim attended St. Cloud State University in the fall of 1962 where he studied law and later changed his focus to accounting. On January 7, 1965 he enlisted in the US Navy and completed his basic training in San Diego, CA. He served for 4 years with tours on the aircraft carriers USS Oriskany CVA-34 and USS Hancock CVA-19 where he was an Aviation Electronics Technician (Radar). Jim was honorably discharged March 3, 1969. Immediately afterward, Jim settled in Bloomington, MN and started working for Control Data Corporation as a Test Technician. He concurrently attended Northwestern Electronics Institute where he earned a certificate as a Computer Technician. He worked for Control Data for 31 years. In the fall of 1972, Jim met the love of his life Joanna (nee Rinke) while he was in Pine River visiting family. Jim and Joanna were married December 30, 1972 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in McKinley Township amidst one of the worst blizzards of the time. They honeymooned while driving to Jim’s home in Tuscon, AZ where they settled together. In January, 1974 they relocated to St. Paul, MN where they lived for 33 years. Jim and Joanna returned to Pine River in 2005 making Jim’s childhood home their own and even sleeping in the same bedroom where he was born. Jim was active at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in St, Paul, MN and helped serve meals at the Dorothy Day Center. He was a proud member of Pine River American Legion Post 613 for 30+ years where he held the position of Post Commander, Color Guard Commander, and various other positions.

 Jim is survived by his wife of 51 years, Joanna; brother Ralph Perry (Diane) of Pine River, MN; sister-in-law Jeannette Perry of Fredericksburg, VA; step-sister, Sandy Buschmann (Larry) of Pequot Lakes, MN; daughters, Juliet (Troy) Stevens of Bloomington, MN, and Janis (Lance) Akovenko of Underwood, MN; grandchildren, McKenna Akovenko of Mandan, ND, Gavin Stevens of Bloomington, MN, Sienna Akovenko of Underwood, MN, and Joel Stevens of Bloomington, MN; and many nieces and nephews. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Ross and Marie Perry, and brother, Melvyn Perry.

 All who knew and loved Jim will miss him dearly 

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Kline Funeral Home Pine River from 5-7 PM.

A service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, July 12, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in Pine River. A visitation will take place the hour before. Burial will be at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery in McKinley Township following the service.