July 10, 2009 the extended Perkinson-Murphy family suffered a great loss. Jim Perkinson, father to Jay, Jamie, Jessica and Shelby, and husband to Judy, passed away suddenly while on his way back to Texas from Indiana. This came as an unbelievable shock to us all and the depth of our loss will no doubt be felt for a very long time.
Jay and I had what we now know was the incredible blessing of having Jim, Judy and Shelby with us here in New York for a visit, the week before his passing. Jay had not seen his dad in two years, due to the geographical distance between them, but they were still very close, with phone calls back and forth a few times a week, and the occasional web-cam visit keeping the two of them closer than many father and sons. We took them to New York City and saw the Statue of Liberty, had a wonderful Fourth of July barbeque with fireworks, where they got to meet my family, and enjoyed time playing Rock Band, Texas Hold-em and shooting pool. We will always be eternally grateful to have had that last time together with Jim.
In the relatively short time that I have known Jim Perkinson I have come to love and respect him, as did my family, my children, and anyone who had the good fortune of knowing the man. He was the father I wished I had and I am so thankful he was the father he was, to the man I love. His smile was contagious, his laugh infectious and his hugs could warm you right down to your toes.
Jim, we love you and miss you. You will always be in our hearts and memories.