Obituary of James Perrin

James “Arvil” Perrin, born April 10, 1935 passed away in his home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, November 13, 2019.    Because Daddy had the “Blessed Assurance” that Jesus was his Savior, he was met in heaven by his parents Henry and Marie (Mysinger) Perrin, sisters Mary Arvin Perrin, Betty Jo Perrin, Robbie Perrin Sneed and brother, Billy Perrin.  

He is survived by and is “Daddy” to his children Lisa Perrin (Steve) Smith, Brian (Lori) Perrin and Julie Perrin (Dave) Ables.  He was lovingly referred to as “Papa” by his grandchildren Callie Smith (Chad) Branam, Laura Smith (J.B.) King, Bethany Perrin Harper (Robert), Brent (Beth) Price, Jarrod (Lindy) Hatcher, and Niki Ables.   He was “Old Papa” and great grandfather to Knox, Reese, Landen, Emry, Ezra, Greyson, Logan, Nate, Graham, Beau and Austen.   Daddy also leaves behind his sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Buddy Collier and several nieces and nephews.

Daddy enjoyed the “simpler” things in life.  He grew up during the depression with very few material possessions but fond memories of church activities, swimming and playing with his brother, sisters and friends in his small community of Shady Grove.  He knew the meaning of responsibility and good work ethics.  His first paid job was picking strawberries.  This money helped to buy his school clothes with some left over for a treat.  He later worked for a neighborhood grocery delivering food and feed, pumping gas, and any other job that needed to be accomplished.   Dad worked for Combustion Engineering for 32 years.  In 1986 he had the opportunity to retire and enjoy many years of retirement before his death.  

Daddy spent many hours with his children swimming at the lake, camping, and fishing.  Bonfires and wiener roasts were among some of our favorite family activities.  Daddy enjoyed gardening and sharing his bounty with family and friends.  Part of his daily routine was to feed the birds and enjoy watching them feast.  Daddy also spent many hours crafting furniture for his family and friends to enjoy.  For many years he could be spotted out enjoying his daily walk and enjoying chats with the neighbors.   Daddy also felt the desire to help spread God’s word by delivering Daily Bread devotional books to many of his neighbors.  Family dinners and holiday gatherings were also times that he looked forward to and treasured.   Daddy enjoyed many cups of coffee and lively conversations with his “buddies” at Northgate Mall and Hardees for many years.  His favorite place to eat was Home Folks in Daisy where he was always treated like family.   

Papa shared many happy hours with his grandchildren.  They enjoyed spending the night with him, taking them to Walmart to ride the horse carousel, JJ’s for milk shakes, McDonald’s for Happy Meals, and the flea market just to see what he could find.  He took his grandchildren on many evening strolls where “simple” things like petting the neighbor’s baby goats and picking wild flowers were shared.   Papa would start nails in a board for them and let then pound away.  He was always available when a bicycle tire needed some “pump”.  He was supportive, proud, and honored to attend his grand childrens’ graduations from high school and college.  Old Papa was overjoyed to have the pleasure of enjoying the sweetness of his great-grandbabies and their tender kisses and hugs.  He loved watching them eat vegetables after picking them right out of his garden.  Old Papa has looked forward to showing the great grandchildren the first bird eggs of spring.  Many trips have been made to the birdhouses to peek into to watch the baby birds grow and leave the nest.  

Daddy was a member of Sequoyah Baptist Tabernacle where he enjoyed Sunday school class activities, senior adult activities, and the men’s monthly prayer breakfasts.  

Daddy knew the importance of giving to others.  He was always ready to donate blood to a friend or family that needed the gift of blood.  Daddy became a routine donor with Blood Assurance.  He was also a monthly donor to Disabled Veterans, St Jude’s children’s hospital and to the Salvation Army because he believed in their good work and dedication to others.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to one of these charities.  

Pallbearers will be his sons Brian, Steve, and Dave, and grandsons, Brent, Jarrod, Chad and JB. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Ozborn, nurses Robin and Karen, and the Hearth Hospice Care for their tender and loving care.  

Visitation will be at Legacy Funeral home on Friday, November 15, 2019   from 2 p.m. til 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. til 8 p.m. and the funeral will be at Sequoyah Baptist Tabernacle at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2019.  Burial will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements by Legacy Funeral Home, 8911 Dallas Hollow Road, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379 (423) 843-2525. 

To share memories or condolences please visit www.legacyfuneralhome.com.