James Francis Perry ’53 was born on May 19, 1930, and passed on Sunday, September 28, 2014 peacefully in his home in Aptos, Calif. He was 84 years young at heart. His parents, Walter and Althea Perry, and his daughter Kathleen preceded him. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Florence P. Perry; son Christopher and daughter in-law Mary Perry, grandchildren Christian and Patrick Perry; daughter and son in-law Erin and Steve Geiszler, grandchildren Peter, Hans and Emma Geiszler; son J. Scott Perry; son and daughter in-law Mark and Jena Perry; daughter Lizabeth Meuse and grandsons Will and Finn Meuse.

Jim attended Bellarmine College Prep, followed by one year in the Jesuit seminary, before graduating from Santa Clara University, Class of 1953. He served in the United States Army Artillery during the Korean War as a 1st Lieutenant between 1952-1953. An adventurous soul and man of honor, he lived his life with humor, passion, courage, purpose and gratitude. He revered the mysteries of life and death, was personally expanded by the spirit of nature, and awed by the magnificence of travel and history. Jim was a sculptor who handed down to his family his artistic renditions in wood and stone. He was also an avid duck hunter and camp chef who formed immutable friendships over his many years. He served and inspired his family and closed every meal with, "May we all be together again this day, twelve months.