James “Jimmy” Arthur Perkins Sr. was born August 9, 1953, to Ray Albin Perkins and Elma Narciss (Bridges) Perkins in Willow Springs, Mo. He grew up in Willow Springs, attending Liberty Grove grade school and graduating from WSHS class of 1971. He passed away at Ozarks Healthcare West Plains, Mo. on July 30, 2024, at the age of 70.
Jimmy (The Jungle Cat) loved his children and grandchildren with all his heart, sometimes doing without to ensure his family had what they needed. He was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ who loved sharing the gospel and bringing light and hope to those around him. In his younger years, he was well known for playing the guitar at parties and gatherings. Later in life when he would run into old friends they always asked if he still played. Jimmy played the guitar at home until his fingers no longer let him. As a young man, he loved to fish and coon hunt with his family and friends leaving behind many memorable stories of their adventures. He had a green thumb and could grow nearly anything. Jimmy was a hardworking man who proudly retired from DRS (Southwest Truck Bodies) of West Plains Mo. after 34 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ray Albin Perkins and Elma Narciss Perkins; brothers and sisters Justine (Perkins) Benedict; Velma (Perkins) Walker; Justin Perkins; Willie Perkins; Mary (Perkins) Taylor.
Jimmy is survived by his five children, Shena (Perkins) Brower and husband, Rick; James (Jamie) Perkins Jr; William Perkins; Jeramey Perkins and wife, Jessica; Josh Perkins; Nine grandchildren, Natasha Boggs and husband, Andrew; Merissa Crawford and husband, Lane; Gehrig Brower and wife, Emma; Courtney Perkins, Jayden Perkins, Justin Perkins, Tucker Perkins, Gunnar Perkins, Kellen Perkins; three great grandchildren, Riley Allen, Layla McDonald, Louis Brower; his Brothers and Sisters, Ralph Perkins; Carol (Perkins) Roper; Ellen (Perkins) Fullen and husband, Bob; Hellen (Perkins) Campbell; Ray Perkins and wife, Mickey; Janice (Perkins) Burns; Jessie (Perkins) Bennett.
No services will be held at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. Online condolences may be left at
