Lebert Perry

Lebert James Perry, affectionately known as Jim, passed peacefully at home in Fort Branch, IN, at the age of 88. Born in Crystal City, MO, Jim lived a life full of adventures, laughter, and love. He attended Crystal City High School and later pursued his college education in Cape Girardeau, MO. Jim was an only child, and his parents, Marie (Madison) Perry and Lebert Francis Perry, preceded him in death.

Jim was married to Marilyn (Koehler) Perry on January 13, 1962  They shared an incredible journey together for over six decades. He is survived by Marilyn, their loving children and grandchildren: Dave Perry (wife, Luann. Children – Nichole (husband, Danny), Brianna (husband, Blaine), Danielle, and Kyle), Mike Perry (wife, Lisa. Children – Nicholas, Matthew, and Alex), Christine Hess (Children – Justine, Lindsay, and Emily), and Tom Perry (wife, Misty. Children – Conner and Kennedy). His grandchildren affectionately referred to him as Grumpy Gramps or Grandpa. They were his pride and joy.

Jim, known for his boisterous attitude and witty humor, had a profound love for airplanes, Dairy Queen, big band music, trains, and working on anything with an engine. When possible, Jim never missed an opportunity to attend his grandchildren’s events, always providing support and cheer.

His life advice was simple:

1. Just be cool (be yourself). Don’t care what other people think; everyone has an opinion.
2. Make your free throws.
3. The airplane does not need you, but you need the airplane.

Jim was a U.S. Army veteran who worked for several years with McDonnell Douglas, Koehler Implement, and United Nuclear before dedicating most of his career as a third generation PPG Industries employee where he held leadership roles at various facilities. His greatest passion was flying. He was a private and commercial pilot with ratings for multi-engine and rotorcraft with time spent crop dusting using both helicopters and airplanes for several years. Some of the fondest memories for his family include watching him “buzz” the farm, including a time when he flew under the power lines (which Marilyn did not enjoy as she was riding with him), landing a helicopter at the school in Sutter, IL, to say hello to his boys, attending and participating in four-wheeler/tractor pulls, and his humorous antics that brought joy to all who knew him. He was a great teacher of how to fix anything and sometimes improvised with duck tape, Gorilla glue, and zip ties.

Life with Jim was filled with adventures and happy memories. His legacy will live on through the stories and love he shared with all who knew and loved him.

Please keep Marilyn and the family in your thoughts and prayers as they celebrate the life of a remarkable husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, and friend. A few days before Jim passed, he gave Marilyn a “wink,” which we interpret as his way of signaling he was content with a life well-lived. Enjoy your coffee and pie with Grandpa Like, Jim.  The runway is clear for takeoff; fly high and rest in peace.  We will take it from here.

If anyone would like to share a happy memory in the comments of this page, please feel free to do so. We would love to add to the story of Jim’s incredible life.

The family extends their gratitude to Heart to Heart Hospice and all of Jim’s caregivers.

In accordance with Jim’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. He was cremated at Simply Cremations. Friends and family may leave condolences online at simplecremationevansville.com.  In lieu of flowers, you can donate to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana, 550 South 1^st Street, Louisville, KY 40202, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana: Support & Care (rmhc-kentuckiana.org).