James William Perkins

James William Perkins, son of the late Flossie Perkins Harris and Joseph Mealy, was born January 21, 1926 in Richmond, Virginia. He departed this life on June 13, 2017, after a brief illness. James, the second oldest of three children, spent most of his early life in Goochland VA with his three aunts; Elsie Mealy Harris, Cordelia Mealy Hill, and Vergie Mealy. He was baptized at an early age at Fauquier Baptist Church in Goochland County VA. He also, attended High school in Goochland, VA. After leaving high school in 1942, James moved to Baltimore, MD Were he obtained employment as a general laborer in the meat packing industry. Shortly thereafter he met the love of his life, Fernell Vernice Hoff and they married on October 2, 1943. He knew from the moment he saw her he would make her his wife, and he did. After all, who could resist a man with good looks, charm, and was also a hard worker? They had a short time together as husband and wife before James was drafted in World War II in March of 1944. He served in the Navy for 2 years on ships that were assigned to pick up the survivors, as well as the dead from ships that were bombed by the enemy. James was a good listener and a quick thinker which helped him survive those difficult 2 years. He returned from the war to a baby daughter named Gloria and three years later James Jr. was born. At this time he was employed by the Corkin Hill Co, where he worked as a master butcher. James’ knack for reading people well and smoothing conflicts landed him the position of General Shop Stewart in the meat packing industry. A second daughter, Fernell was born 4 years after James Jr. During the start of the Korean War, because he had three children, James did not have to participate in that war. To bring extra income to his family, James worked as a Longshoreman in addition to his full time job. Six years after Fernell, their third daughter, Renee’ was born. James decided to train to become a master barber, and in 1962 he held the title of master barber. From that time on he was his own personal barber till he left this earth. James loved his family and nothing was too good for them. He worked hard to make sure they had the best of everything. James provided for his family took summer vacations every year. He loved his wife’s family just like his own, and all those who knew him respected him. James loved going to parties and dancing with his wife. He enjoyed his weekend card games and he watched the evening news every night. He made sure he was informed of what was happening in the world. After 67 years of marriage, James became a widower. This was a difficult experience for him. He had been with his wife, Fernell since he was 17 years of age. He left his home behind for a senior living during his wife’s illness, and the people there grew to love and respect James as a good friend. The last 2 years of his life, James found love again with Mrs. Elaine Cooper, who resided in the same building. She brightened his days and brought him love and joy. They were a blessing to each other. He leaves to cherish his memories: His daughters, Gloria Perkins Gilliam and Renee’ Perkins Smoot; two son-in-laws, Alfred Johnson and Dr. Duane Thomas Smoot; daughter-in-law, Brenda Collins Perkins; eight grandchildren, Ruth Gilliam Phillips (Wendell Phillips), Kim Renee Welch, Torrie Perkins Harris (Roderick Harris), Gilbert Maurice Mckinney (Tomariel Mckinney), Genelle Mattox Whitaker (Keith Whitaker), Branden Gene Mattox, Lauren Smoot Lightfoot (Rodney Lightfoot, Jr.), Duane Christopher Smoot; 12 great-grandchildren, Paris Anthony Nicolas Ellis, Ashley Renee’ McKinney, Clarke Leigh Phillips, Gil Maurice Mckinney, Isaiah Amir Smoot-Wade, Logan Marie Phillips, Jayden Emmanuel Harris, Zoey Shanelle Whitaker, Sofia Marilyn Harris, Sydney Kayla Whitaker, Elijah Rodney Lightfoot and Kennedy Skye Whitaker; his special Lady friend, Elaine H. Cooper; a close cousin, Alice Wells; and a host of other relatives and friends. James was preceded in death by his wife, Fernell Hoff Perkins, His son, James William Perkins Jr., daughter, Fernell Perkins McKinney Mattox, granddaughter Gloria Gilliam Boone, grandson, Paris Anthony Ellis, sister, Elizabeth Quarles, and brother, Junius Daniel.

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James William Perkins

January 21, 1926 - June 13, 2017