HORNELL/HARTSVILLE-James M. “Jim” Perry, 58, of 692 Call Hill Rd., Andover, NY (Town of Hartsville), died suddenly Monday evening (March 6, 2017) at his home due to heart complications.
Born in Hornell on May 21, 1958, he was the son of Carl & Anna (Brown) Perry. He grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (Class of 1976).
Jim never missed a day of work. He was well known for his “work ethic” and ability to solve the most complex problems. He attributed these abilities to his left handedness. A trait he proudly shares with his two youngest, Westin and Teegan. In his youth, he served as a paper boy for the Hornell Evening Tribune, delivering newspapers for 12 years throughout the 5th Ward (“The Bloody 5th”). Following high school graduation, he was employed for several years at Gunlocke Corporation in Wayland. For over 30 years he was employed as a “Jack of All Trades” at General Electric, Conrail, Morrison-Knudson (MK) and Alstom Corporation, working as a mechanic, welder and in the fabrication department. For the past six years he was employed at National Fuel as a station operation mechanic. Jim also worked as a pyro-technician for Young Explosives for 10 years, orchestrating numerous, local fireworks shows.
For 10 years, Jim served as a Town Council Member for the Town of Hartsville. He was a strong opponent of the Hartsville Wind Project and was not afraid to voice his opinion. His strong support of the town’s interest never wavered. He thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors and working with his hands. Jim spent countless hours tending the family property they call “Perrydise”. For over 30 years, Jim greatly enjoyed hosting family and friends to their annual pond party. His gardens and orchards were bountiful and he took great pride in nurturing them. He also grew flowers & vegetables and made his own apple cider. Occasionally, Jim enjoyed hunting and was a proud member of the National Rifle Association (NRA).
Jim was a member of the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church, and most recently attended Our Lady of the Valley Parish at St. Ann’s Church.
Jim loved his family greatly. He was married on July 4, 1998 to the former Melinda “Mindy” Yates who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters, Myriah Perry of Hornell and Teegan Perry at home; 2 sons, Corbin Perry of Hornell and Westin Perry at home; 1 brother, Joseph (Taresa) Perry of Brockport; 1 sister, Kathleen “Kathy” (Eric) Burton of Addison; several nieces, nephews & in-laws.
The family of James M. “Jim” Perry will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.
Jim’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Boy Scouts of America, Five Rivers Council, 244 West Water St., Elmira, NY 14901 or to Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
