ROCKPORT, Texas – Jesse James Perry, 76, passed away May 27, 2011, after developing double pneumonia. He was born to Kenneth and Ethel Hoagland Perry, who preceded him in death. In June 1956, he married Katherine Harley, who survives. He was a good provider with a variety of jobs – farm hand, plumbing and heating work, Indiana Wildlife Department employee, truck driver, airplane and auto mechanic, appliance repairman and crab fisherman. He built a home and a 5th-wheel from the frame up. He could “fix anything (almost)” and it was “done right.” He was admired by men for his determination and considered a “big teddy bear” by some women. Even on a skimpy budget at times, he provided vacations every year for his family. When in a mushroom hunting woods, if Kate was out of sight for 10 minutes, he’d return to be sure she wasn’t lost. He felt a big responsibility for his family. He got resounding applause from the congregation when he was saved at the age of 69 at his church, Faith Baptist in Aransas Pass. Also surviving are three children: Steve (and spouse Julie) Perry, Caldwell, Kan.; Sherryl Cooper, Dardanelle, Ark.; and Teresa Coggins, Rockport; six grandsons, Brett Coggins, James, Joshua and Jesse Perry and Mark and Steven Cooper; five great-granddaughters; and six step-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by five siblings, including Mamie Steller and Dean Perry, and a son, Mark Perry. Services were Monday at Faith Baptist Church, Aransas Pass. Burial was in Aransas Memorial Park Cemetery, Rockport. Charlie Marshall Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., 814 E. Main St., Rockport/Fulton, TX, was in charge of arrangements.
