James A. Perkins Jr.

James Arthur Perkins, Jr. began his journey of life on March 14, 1917 in Orlando, FL and transitioned peacefully to his final journey on Friday, September 5, 2014 at 8:56 a.m while at the Chester River Hospital (Chestertown, MD). He was the son of Mary White and James Arthur Perkins, Sr. but was raised by Luvenia Johnson, whom he always called his mother from the age of nine months until he grew up to leave home and start a life of his own. James graduated from Sampson County High School in 1934 and from Shaw University in 1938. He taught French for two years in Raleigh, NC, thereafter, he moved to Washington, DC and worked for the federal government. Following a short stint in Washington, DC, James worked for the railroad before heading to Atlanta, GA to attend mortuary school where he graduated at the top of his class in 1946. He began his funeral services business in 1947 and was licensed to practice in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Delaware. James was a devoted member of Holy Trinity A.M.E. Church which he joined shortly after moving to Rock Hall, MD in 1961. He gave his time, service, faithfulness and abilities to the church and played an active role in its renovation. After his failing health, he was saddened and hurt that he was unable to attend church on a regular basis; however, he remained thoughtful of others and was willing to help anyone in need. In his later years, a lot of his time was spent watching his favorite TV shows – Jeopardy and Judge Judy’s Courtroom Show, reading and analyzing the events of the world. He was a very kind and gracious man who loved to talk and to tell stories. If you had the pleasure of sitting and talking with him, you would often hear stories about the railroad, working at Chrysler Corporation in Delaware and his Mom’s rules. He had as many stories to tell as you had time to listen. James was a member of Thomas H. Kiah Lodge #101 and a life member of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland for 50 years. He was appointed to the Kent County Board of Education in 1983 where he served a six year term. James enjoyed working with parents, teachers, students and the community. Way back then he was a strong advocate for smaller class sizes especially in childhood education. In 1963, he began working for the Chrysler Corporation in Delaware and retired from there in 1981. After retirement he continued his funeral business throughout Kent County. He also received an outstanding citizenship award from the NAACP and the Holy Trinity A.M.E. Church Man of the Year award for devoted service. James leaves to mourn his beloved and devoted wife, Florabelle, of 17 years, four stepchildren, Roger Hopkins (Joyce) of Chestertown, MD, Patricia (Roland) of Columbia, MD, Thomas (Janice) Hopkins of Clinton, MD and Linda Hopkins of Laurel, MD; three sisters-in-law, Nora Wright (William) of Ewington, MD; Carrie Hicks of Baltimore, MD; Loretta Freeman (Ruben) of Edesville, MD; three brothers-in-law, Norris Hicks, Sr. of Edesville, MD; Ernest Hicks (Regina) of Smyrna, DE; Melvin Hicks (Annie) of Columbus, OH; five grandchildren, Ronnell Hopkins; Evetta Hopkins; Dwayne Hopkins; Kamala Massey and Tyrone Hopkins; seven great-grandchildren, Donte, Evatta, Ronnell, Tyriq, Dominique, Devonte and Xavier; one great-great grandchild, Jayden; two special godsons, Kenny Cunningham and Adrian Emerson Cotton; special friends, Amos Young, Alice Cann and a host of extended family and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James A. Perkins Jr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

James A. Perkins Jr.

March 14, 1917 - September 5, 2014