James (Jim) Perry, 82, passed away on Nov. 18, 2022. He was born in Los Angeles, California to Helen Louise Houle and Raymond Carl Perry. He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Jeanne Perry Rofelty and Wanda Perry Sundborg.
He was a loving husband to Carol Porter Perry for almost 58 years, and she survives him. He is also survived by his children, Diana Schimschok (Brian), Bob Rofelty (Julie), Arlene Rofelty, and Jim Ghiglieri (Meg); grandchildren, Brian (Jenn), Angie, Elana, Daniel, Gwin, Ben, Heidi and Emily, and his bonus granddaughter Hannah; as well as his great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two long-time friends he considered his bonus sons, Mark Crouse and David Potter. He is preceded in death by many good friends.
Jim spent his first 18 years living at Lake Tahoe (Stateline), and then enlisted in the Air Force, serving for four years. In 1966, Jim moved his family to Silverton, Oregon.
Jim was an entrepreneur who started and owned many businesses over the years, including building canopies and campers back in the 1970s, paving and excavating work, and selling landscape materials, to name a few. He didn’t believe in sitting around when there was work to be done, and he always had a to-do list in his head. He enjoyed having his grandkids as apprentices.
He loved fishing, hunting, leather work, rock hounding and traveling with his wife. In his late 70s he fulfilled a long-time dream by purchasing a sawmill.
At his request, Jim will be laid to rest in a private service. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s Hospital or the Silverton Elks Lodge are suggested. Serving the family, North Santiam Funeral Service, Stayton.
