James (Jim) McDowell Perkins

James (Jim) McDowell Perkins was born on March 22, 1944, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Jim left this world for his heavenly home on Monday, May 15, 2023.

He was born the only son of Mary and John Perkins and the brother of Diane Perkins Moore of Tulsa, Oklahoma, all preceding him death.

Jim leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Linda and two sons, Louis and John; a daughter, Angela and son-in-law Michael; grandson James (the Perkin’s first grandchild) were all killed in 2009 in Sand Springs, Oklahoma.  This has been very difficult for Linda and Jim.

The later addition of a grandson, Keagan Perkins, son of John Perkins, brought great joy to Linda and Jim.  They greatly looked forward to his weekend visits with Mimi and Papa.  Keagan and Papa were good buddies. 

Also surviving family include two granddaughters, Amanda Mulanax and Karissa Perkins Ward of Sand Springs, Oklahoma and seven great grandchildren.

Jim always considered Linda’s family his own and was very close to all her sisters and brothers-in-law.  In past years, Linda and Jim travelled with Betty and Rick Carl and Bonnie and David Weiesnbach to Hawaii, Cozumel, Cancun and The Bahamas.  In more recent years, they travelled with Betty and Rick Carl and Faye and Bob Gray around southeastern Oklahoma to learn more about Linda’s native American heritage.  Jim always said he was Choctaw too because he hung out with the Indians so much!

Jim was a Navy Veteran and was very proud of his service.  He enlisted at the young age of seventeen during his junior year of high school.  He attended basic training in San Diego, California the summer before his senior year and then completed his high school education and graduated at Daniel Webster High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  He attended reserve meetings throughout this process and until going on active duty.  While on active duty he served aboard the US Navarro and had tours of duty in Pearl Harbor, Japan, Subic Bay, Hong Kong and Vietnam.  In total he served two years on active duty and four years in the reserves.  Jim was given 100% total disability by the Veterans Administration.

After serving in the Navy, Jim began his lifetime career working for the railroad.  He began as a Pipefitter apprentice, training for two years and working at this craft until his promotion to Foreman.  He then became Supervisor over the Mechanical Shop.  When he first started, he worked for the Frisco Railroad in Tulsa, Oklahoma which later became the San Francisco Burlington Northern Railroad.  After a reduction in forces, he went back to his tools and worked at the Union Pacific Railroad in North Little Rock, Arkansas.  He worked there until his retirement.

Jim was a devoted family man.  He always worked hard to provide for Linda and the kids.  He took care of Ms. Linda when she was ill and would say he was “driving Ms. Daisy”.

Jim was a Christian man.  He loved to hear a good sermon and would always tell the pastor how much he liked it.  He studied the Bible reading it completely through twice because he wanted to take more time on the second reading.   He and Linda attended Landmark Missionary Baptist and then became founding members of New Liberty Baptist before going to Cornerstone Baptist.  Jim served in various positions:  Sunday School Superintendent, Youth teacher, Usher, Groundskeeper, and anything he could to help the church.

Jim enjoyed listening to Christian singing and could easily be persuaded to join in a song during church services. 

He also loved some good rock and roll music and his favorite female vocalists were Tina Turner and Shania Twain.

Jim was an all-around good guy.  He was a wonderful husband, loving Dad, terrific Papa, good Uncle, loyal Friend, and just a Good Person.  He led a good life and will be greatly missed by all.  He, as the poem by Robert Frost says tried to “Stay Gold”.

Visitation will be Wednesday evening, May 17, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Smith Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe.  Services to be held Thursday, May 18 at 9:00 a.m. followed by burial at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in Sherwood at 11:00 a.m.  Visit www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook to view the online registry.  Arrangement by Smith Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W Dewitt Henry, Beebe, Arkansas.