James Andrew Perry, Sr.

James Andrew "Jim" Perry, Sr., 95, Anderson, passed into eternal rest with our heavenly Father on Saturday, May 9, 2015. His devoted wife of 40 years, Helen Louise, preceded him in death in 1984 and welcomed him to heaven. He was born on September 3, 1919, in Anderson, Indiana to Lewis "Andy" and Bertha (Osborne) Perry. Jim was very proud to have served this country from 1941 to 1945 in the U. S. Army's 128th Anti-Aircraft Battalion out of Fort Bliss, Texas. He met his sweetheart, Helen Godbehere, while stationed in Galveston, Texas and spent the early days of their marriage overseas, as part of General Patton's Third Army. His European Tour included landing on Utah Beach in the Normandy Campaign and advancing through Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He later wrote that the most horrid destruction he saw was an Auschwitz Concentration camp after U.S. soldiers had taken control, freed the captives, and were burying the dead in trenches. Upon returning home to the States, Jim and Helen settled in Anderson where Jim learned the water well drilling trade from his father and later formed Perry Well Drilling, which his two sons continue to operate. Jim was an avid fisherman. With his family, he traveled from the beaches in Galveston to most of the fresh water lakes in the states between Florida, Texas, and Indiana, trying his hand at catching that "big one." Jim and Helen had a lake cottage in northern Indiana where the family spent almost every summer weekend fishing, boating, and enjoying the outdoors. After retiring, Jim followed in his parent's footsteps, living in Florida during the winter months, fishing on Lake Okeechobee He was a member of Bethel United Methodist church; a lifetime member of the Indiana Groundwater Association; Lapel American Legion Post 202; and the Aqua Bassmasters. As a great father and role model for his five children, he taught them responsibility, the value of hard work, a love of nature, and of course, how to fish. He never tired of "just one more cast." He is survived by five children, James Andrew (wife, Barb) Perry, Jr., Steven E. (wife, Vicky) Perry, Shirley Perry all of Anderson, Janice Perry and Mary Helen Hicks both of Houston, TX; twenty-two grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren; a sister, Donna Smith of Alexandria; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members in Indiana and Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Helen Louise (Godbehere) Perry; his second wife of 14 years, Helen Campbell Perry; three brothers, William, Willard, and Rhue Perry; and a sister, Marybelle Perry. James Perry was truly a man who knew no strangers. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him. The family extends a special thanks to the staff of Bethany Pointe Health Campus and Heartland Hospice, whose love and laughter helped Jim and his family through a difficult year. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, May 13, 2015, at Scott E. Hersberger Funeral Home in Lapel with Rev. Dr. Don Weston officiating. Burial will follow in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery, Anderson where the Lapel American Legion Post 212 will conduct military graveside rites. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Tuesday, May 12, 2015, and one hour prior to the funeral on Wednesday at Scott E. Hersberger Funeral Home, 1010 North Main Street, Lapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jim Perry Memorial Fund, c/o First Merchants Bank, 1011 North Main Street, Lapel, Indiana 46051. Funds will be donated to Shadyside Bait & Tackle Shop in Anderson to supply fishing poles and equipment to local children learning to fish.
. Services
Visitation
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
04:00 PM - 08:00 PM Scott E. Hersberger Funeral Home
1010 North Main Street
Lapel, IN 46051


Visitation
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Scott E. Hersberger Funeral Home
1010 North Main Street
Lapel, IN 46051


Funeral Service
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
11:00 AM Scott E. Hersberger Funeral Home
1010 North Main Street
Lapel, IN 46051