Our featured Veteran of this month is Jim Perry.  Jim was born on January 31st, 1938 on a farm in Rice, Texas.  His parents were Ruth and Elmer Perry—both now deceased.  He attended RicePublic School through the 11th grade, and he spent 1956, his senior year, at Corsicana where he graduated.  He then joined the Marines and served two years Active Duty.  He attended Boot camp in San Diego and his Infantry Training was at CampPendleton.  He was assigned duty as an ambulance driver; he was a member of 1st medical battalion at Camp Pendleton, and his additional training included participation in three amphibious landings, four weeks “cold weather training”, he attended NCO school, and was promoted to Corporal just before discharge.  He, then, returned to Dallasand worked one year with Vought Aircraft.  In 1959, he started working with Monroe Calculator in field service, and in 1968, he was selected as service manager for Dallas/ Ft.Worth areas.  Jim attended many Technical schools and management courses.  In 1978, he obtained a degree from National Radio Institute, and in 1991, he started his own business.  In 1992, he started working for Mesquite ISD driving a school bus.  In 2003, he retired from the school district, but he still drives some field trips.        

Jim met his wife, Kay, in first grade at Rice—they were married in October 1958.  Their son Mike was born in 1960 and died in 1970.  Their daughter Karla was born in 1966 and graduated from North Mesquite high school.  She attended Texas Tech, and then earned her Masters degree from SMU.  She now teaches music at LoversLaneUnitedMethodistChurch.  Jim and Kay have no grandchildren.  

Jim and Kay moved to Mesquite in 1962.  Jim is a charter member of St. Marks Methodist Men.  He has served several terms with the Trustees, works on the church yard, and helps as an usher each Sunday.  He said his most enjoyable time was the twelve years spent as a coach for St. Marks youth soft-ball team. 

Jim and Kay will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in October.  His hobbies are doing yard work, playing golf, and watching high school sports on television.  His favorite food is breakfast: all the works—bacon, eggs, hash browns, biscuits and gravy. 

We so appreciate your military service and all you do at St. Marks.