James C. Perkins

James Calvin Perkins, age 88, peacefully passed from this life surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, July 28. 2026. His life was characterized by his servant heart and gentle nature. He loved his family dearly, was a friend to all and lived a life of faithfulness to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

James was born February 8, 1938, in Paris, Texas to Lee Roy Perkins and Lola Eveline Ottmo. He was raised in and around the area of Paris, Texas, and graduated from Enloe High School in May of 1957. James enlisted in the United States Air Force in March 1959, serving 4 years and becoming an Aircraft Mechanic. He achieved the rank of E-4 Senior Airman. After serving in the Air Force, he went to work for Dallas Airmotive as an aircraft mechanic in 1963, where he worked for 38+ years. He met his wife, Patricia Sue Haynie, at church in Lancaster, Texas in 1963. James and Pat were married on May 2, 1964, and they celebrated 62 years of marriage just two months before his passing. The Lord blessed them with two wonderful children, a daughter (Deborah) born in September of 1965 and a son (Eric) born three years later in May of 1968.

James loved his children and was always proud of all they accomplished. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Lancaster, Texas for 29 years where he served as a Deacon for many of those years. In May 2001, James retired from Dallas Automotive after 38 years of loyal service and moved to Lindale, Texas. He and his wife Pat then joined Mt. Sylvan Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon, committee member, and whatever other roles he was called upon to serve. James and Pat enjoyed traveling after retirement making trips to Europe, South America and most of the continental United States. He always enjoyed working in the yard and visiting his neighbors in Lindale.

James was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sister.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Perkins; two children: daughter, Deborah Wilkerson (Wade) of Sachse, Texas, and son, Eric Perkins (Lacey) of Flint, Texas; six grandchildren: Emily Perkins Hasselle (Jason) Mt. Pleasant, Texas, Hannah Perkins Gardner (James) of Royce City, Texas, Elise Perkins Carney (Cameron) of Magnolia, Texas, Jackson Wilkerson (Haley) of Rowlett, Texas, Claire Wilkerson of Sachse, Texas, and Noah Perkins of College Station, Texas; six beautiful great-grandchildren; and one sister, Janet Leos of Lancaster, Texas.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, August 21, 2026 at Mt. Sylvan Baptist Church, 13073 Hwy 110, Tyler, Texas, 75704, led by Pastor Bruce Rudd. James' family will be available to receive visitors at Mt. Sylvan Baptist Church from 1:15 - 2:00 PM on Friday, August 21, 2026. Burial will be at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75211

In lieu of flowers contributions in James's honor may be made to a mission's organization, Church Missions Network, P O Box 6326, Tyler, Texas 75711 or www.churchmissionsnetwork.org/give/