James Anthony Perkins, 80, of Fromberg, MT, passed away on February 19, 2021 in Billings, MT surrounded by his family and their love.
Jim was born November 30, 1940 in Billings, MT. He grew up in Fromberg, MT where he had such fond memo...
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James Anthony Perkins, 80, of Fromberg, MT, passed away on February 19, 2021 in Billings, MT surrounded by his family and their love.
Jim was born November 30, 1940 in Billings, MT. He grew up in Fromberg, MT where he had such fond memories of times with his Grandpa, spending time with him every day and helping him tend to his huge garden and orchard. He graduated from Fromberg High School in 1958 and later enlisted in the Army Reserves where he graduated at the top of his class and became a Supply Sergeant. On April 9, 1971, he married his wife of nearly 50 years, Anita. He worked for Albrecht and DeRudder for 16 years as a foreman and operator. He then worked at Montana Power as a field supervisor and pipeline inspector for 26 years and retired from the company after his service. He loved being a pipeline inspector, so he worked an additional 5 years as an independent pipeline inspector supervisor until his ultimate retirement. He spent 13 of his Montana Power years in Big Coulee, a very special place for him, his wife, and his kids. While there, he spent every day out in nature doing his favorite things with those he loved. He was also proud to be elected to the Fromberg City Council as both a member and president for 9 years, and to have served with and retired from The Bridger Volunteer Fire Department after more than a decade of service.
Jim was preceded in death by his Grandpa George Perkins, his parents Norris and Monica Perkins, as well as numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife Anita Perkins, daughter Karie (Brent) Bundy, son Jim (Jennifer) Perkins, and his four grandkids Josh Bundy, Emily Bundy, Jocelyn Perkins and James Perkins. Jim was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend. We are blessed to be a part of his family and thankful for all of the time that we shared with him.
Jim loved many things, but among his favorites were old westerns, classic country music, hunting, fishing, riding around town in his “bug,” being outside soaking up the sun, “engineering” many projects, watching his birds and squirrels, and spending as much time with his wife, son, daughter, and grandkids as possible. He was truly an amazing man of many talents and hobbies.
He cherished time with his kids and grandkids and was always there for them. Some favorite times with his grandkids included: teaching his grandson Josh “a proper handshake” and attending every soccer game that he played, even in raging blizzards; watching every dance his granddaughter Emily performed, no matter how many hours he had to sit in those uncomfortable chairs; all of the time spent with his grandson James, his shadow, 4 wheeling, target shooting, reloading bullets, and working on projects; and seeing the art that his granddaughter Jocelyn shared with him as well as telling and listening to cherished stories with her.
Visitation for Jim will be Wednesday, February 24th at Smith Funeral Chapel, 925 S. 27th St., Billings, MT from 12-7 pm. His memorial service will be Thursday, February 25th at 11 am, also at Smith Funeral Chapel. Jim will be laid to rest with a graveside service at the Rockvale Cemetery in Rockvale, MT immediately following his memorial service. www.smithfuneralchapels.com.
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