April 20, 2023
JAMES JACOB (Jake) PERRY
James Jacob (Jake) Perry of Bronson, Florida, was born the youngest of 5 children in Oxford, Florida, on October 16, 1932, to father George C. Perry and mother Victoria (Beard) Perry.
Jake was active in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the 4H Club Land Judging Team as well as playing softball and football at Wildwood High School where he graduated in 1950.
Jake met Darlene Cason in 1955 at The Tiny Diner in Wildwood, Florida, when she was working as a car hop. They later married and had two children. They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary, December 17, 2022.
Jake was passionate about his faith, his family and encouraging the next generation through Christian education. He spent many years helping to establish and support Countryside Christian School and Creekside Christian School. He was a long-time member of Countryside Baptist Church and when he moved to Bronson, Otter Creek Baptist Church. He eagerly served as a trustee and school board member for many years.
Jake grew up on his family’s farm in Oxford, Florida, and spent most of his life in agriculture and cattle. He was active in the Florida and Mississippi Cattlemen’s Associations, serving several years as President, and worked closely with Alachua County Extension and the University of Florida Meat Science Department. He was known as a progressive farmer and rancher. Later in life, he was active in real estate and sales. Jake was always a hard worker.
After several years of declining health and increasing pain, he was promoted to Glory on Thursday, April 6, 2023 surrounded by family and friends. Jake was 90 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Vick Perry, sister Mary P. York, and brothers Cecil W Perry, G.C. Perry, and Juddy A. Perry. We are sure they are having a wonderful reunion in Glory.
Jake’s greatest joy and blessing in life was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 68 years, Darlene, and children Gail Perry Kruise Kuder (Robbin Kuder), Beverly Perry Atkinson (Bill Atkinson), Dave Perry (Rainey Roberts Perry), 12 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Jake’s Life will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Countryside Baptist Church, 10926 NW 39th Avenue Gainesville, Florida. Visitation will begin at 11a.m., the service will follow at noon, with lunch in the gym after the service. We look forward to spending time together remembering and sharing stories of Jake’s life. He never met a stranger.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Creekside Christian School, PO Box 17, Otter Creek, FL 32683.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jake and Darlene’s grandsons: Daniel Kuder, Ian McCarthy, Mike Dunn, David Kuder, Justin Atkinson, Stefan Grabhofer, Stevie Vines, Jeremy Kuder, and Keenan Dunkley.
Jakes’s life verse: “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want; for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.” Philippians 4:12-13(TLB)
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