Obituary of James A. "Jimmy" Perry

James A. "Jimmy" Perry, age eighty-seven, of Bastrop, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 30, 2017, after a long struggle from a debilitating stroke.  Jimmy was born on November 11, 1929, to the late Frances H. and Mose E. Perry.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Alice Perry Smith.  Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-seven years, Jo Ann Barron Perry; his children Karen Murphy and husband Dr. Guy, of Mandeville, Louisiana, and James Barron Perry, and wife Tonia, of Bastrop; grandchildren, Patrick Murphy and wife Tamara, Kimberly Murphy, Heather Murphy Jessee, and husband Wade, and Blake Johnston; and great-grandchildren, Chase Johnston, Callen Patrick Murphy, Hunter Jessee, Mason Jessee, Fox Johnston, and Harley Johnston.  He was loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jimmy was raised on his grandfather's "Little Bell" Plantation in Perryville.  At a young age he was learning to farm, raise livestock, and his love of horses made him a real cowboy.  As a teenager, he would catch alligators in the brake behind the home place and sell the skins.  He loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting.  He graduated from Ouachita Parish High School where he played football and met his wife.  He attended Northeast Junior College, studying agriculture.  Most of his life was spent farming, raising livestock, and clearing land.  He was a master mechanic and welder.  He loved teaching and helping others to learn these skills.  Jimmy had the patience of "Job".  He had the nickname "Captain".  He was very creative with his metal working, making many artistic pieces  and furniture for his family and friends.  Those who knew him best experienced his wit and mischievousness.

Jimmy was an elder and a very active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bastrop.  The church and its members were very important in his life.

The family wishes to especially thank John Davis for his devotion and compassion as a dedicated care giver for Jimmy over the last almost four years, and his part-time care giver Lavelle Blakely.  We also want to thank his physician Dr. James M. Smith, and the staff and nurses of Aime Hospice.

A memorial service in the celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at 1:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of Bastrop, officiated by Dr. John-Nelson Pope.  A reception will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.  Online registry and condolences may be found at www.goldenfh.com.