James M. Perry

12/17/1946 - 08/17/2023

Obituary For James M. Perry

Carter Funeral Home humbly and honorably announces the peaceful transition of Mr. James M. Perry, (76) of Union Springs, Alabama.

Mr. Perry, a local farmer also known and respected for his service as Bullock County Commissioner, District 1, transitioned into eternity on August 17, 2023, at his residence in the Hardaway Church Community.

Mr. Perry, a dedicated servant leader at the Hardaway AME Church was also an Honorably Discharged Veteran of the United States Air Force.

The Commemoration of Life will begin with a public visitation, Thursday, August 24, 2023, from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Carter Funeral Home.

His earthly tenure will be celebrated with a Memorial Service, Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 5:00 pm at Perry Park in the Hardaway Church Community.
The Message of Celebration will be provided by Pastor Hawthorne Reed of the Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church.

In accordance with recommended COVID-19 Protocols, all attendees are requested to utilize appropriate facial coverings, maintain social distancing, and minimize physical contact.

At the request of the family, memorial service attendees are asked to encourage their healing by wearing blue to the celebration event.

Celebrating the life of James McArthur Perry, who transitioned peacefully on August
17,2023 in Hardaway, AL.

James M. Perry was born December 17, 1946 in Union Springs, AL to the late Olden
and Minner Perry. He joined Hardaway A.M.E Church at an early age, proclaiming his
life to Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. James served Hardaway A.M.E church as
Sunday School Superintendent following in his father’s footsteps. He demonstrated his
devotion to living the word of God with acts of love, kindness and fellowship to his
fellow parishioners. His unconditional grace and patience was well known in the
community to anyone that was blessed to cross his path. A classmate and dear friend
described him as “quiet” as a young man but as time passed he became known for his
captivating storytelling.

He is a graduate of Merritt High School, class of 1964 and a veteran of the United
States Air Force with an honorable discharge. After the military, he returned home and
chose not to dwell on his military service, instead he rejoined his father farming side by
side. He lived his life close to home, kept his fathers’s promise to take care of the land
ensuring his brothers and sisters always had a place close to their heart. He married
Susie (Suzy) Peal Outsey on August 26, 1973. A lasting union just shy of 50 years.
Together they raised a son and daughter, Jonathan and LaKesha. James and Suzy are
names embedded in the heart and soul of Hardaway, their generosity and compassion
is contagious. Families all over can attest to the support James and Suzy gave freely
without hesitation hence the saying “it takes a village.”

Farming was his passion. Period. His life was spent working on the land, through
endless amounts of challenges and too few triumphs, his heart and his soul were
entwined with every seed and every grain he touched and prayed over. His desire to
join the Black Farmers Lawsuit and traveling to Washington DC was in an effort to elicit
positive changes to his family’s livelihood. He also hoped the rights of farmers would be
protected and valued but most of all he fought for fiscal sustainability not just for him but
for several generations to come. James was a community leader and commumity
organizer in every aspect. He did not turn away from a phone call at any hour, a
commitment, a family, a friend, foe, livestock, you name it he was there, just ask Suzy!
Those who know him best can vouch for his genuine demeanor.

Suzy, Jonathan, Kesha and Katerra shared him with the masses. James was once a
coach of a town favorite softball team, Bobcats! James and Suzy both played on the
teams and it was legendary. Summer nights at the Perry Park field, passionate
competitive arguments about team plays, the smell of hotdogs, popcorn and Annie’s
homemade ice cream and best of all James Perry standing in the dugout watching
intently, both hands placed on his sides savoring the moments waiting for that bat to
swing.....

In addition to his many endeavors, James had the bright idea to get into politics, Whew,
what a BRAVE, questionable soul, but we are talking about James Perry who’s heart
always longed for the world to be fair and he did not shy away from a challenge. He
was elected Bullock County Commissioner District 1, holding the position from
1993-2006. Politics can bring ups and downs but James took it in stride. He advocated
for the school system to retrieve misappropriated funds in addition to supporting
sanitation workers rights to time off during holidays. This is just a small sample of his
accomplishments. One might say his Loyalty to his hometown of 76 years is his most
valued and most appreciated achievement.

It goes without saying the life, the legacy, the legend of James M. Perry can go on for
several pages. Although Suzy, Jonathan and Kesha knew him best, his granddaughter
Katerra “little girl” immediately stole his heart. His family and his faith were his rock that
enabled him to be the man, the Christian and the leader we all know, respect and love.

He is preceded in death by his mother, father, brothers; Earnest, Benjamin and Ocie
Perry; sister Mae Rena Cowan.

James is survived by his wife Susie (Suzy) Perry, son Jonathan, daughter Kesha and
granddaughter Katerra; sisters Ora (Roger) Clay, Oakland, CA, Mary “Lou” Parker,
Alabaster, AL and Peggy (Eunice) Ford, Jacksonville, FL; one aunt, Winnie Fred
“Bobbie” Lampley, Union Springs, AL; brother-in law: Elijah (Willie Bell) Outsey, Perote,
AL; sisters in law: Mary Alice (Willie George) Faniel, Perote, AL; Alice Fae Outsey,
Montgomery, AL. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The Staff of Carter Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with The Final Life Celebration Arrangements for the late Mr. James M. Perry.

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