The family of US Navy Commander James Elmer Perry has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero, for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
CDR Perry served his country for 28 years, from 1961 through 1989. He served on the USS Midway and flew over 150 combat missions while in the Gulf of Tonkin. Then as Mission Commander in the E-2 Hawkeye Aircraft, he was responsible for the command and control of Naval strike groups in concert with the first major B-52 strikes in Hanoi in 1972. CDR Perry retired from the Navy and married his wife Kathryn on Coronado Island, Ca in 1989.
While in the service of his country, Jim received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Mexico, then later received a Master of Science in Computer Systems/Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Ca.
In recognition of his service, CDR Perry was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star and Combat V, Sea Service Deployment Medal,
Humanitarian Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Medal (2nd through 3rd Strike Flight), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal with Star, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
After Jim’s retirement from the US Navy, he earned his second Master’s Degree in Logistics Engineering, and began a successful defense contracting career specializing in communications programs and aircraft systems. One project he was particularly proud of working on was the Hunter Unmanned Vehicle Program while at Northrup Grumman in Sierra Vista, Az.
He then retired from his civilian career in 2012, and moved to Fort Mill, SC, where he enjoyed riding his Harley, RV trips, his three beloved dogs, a cat, and time with his grandchildren.
Jim was a dedicated veteran, and joined the American Legion Riders, and the South Carolina Patriot Guard Riders to help honor fallen heroes. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, the Military Officers Association of America, and the Tailhook Association supporting the Navy’s aircraft carrier operations.
Jim is survived by his wife of 32 years Kathy, brother Tom Perry, sisters LouAnn Wacker and Kathy Melichar, Daughters Michele (Missy) Hardison and Dacia Perry-Pelletier, sons Mike Perry and Bobby Perry, step daughters Kristin Cronn and Heidi Lumpkin. 6 granddaughters, 2 grandsons, and 2 great-grandsons.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to his final resting place, approx 13 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
NOTE: Covid 19 restrictions are in place in San Diego County. Masks or face coverings are required and 6ft. social distancing is to be observed at all times.Time Table for Monday 19 APR, 2021:1200 – Stage at Poway-Bernardo Mortuary, 13243 Poway Rd., Poway, CA 92064
https://goo.gl/maps/kg3ckg6U9kJXABJAA1215 – PGR Briefing
1245 – Dignified flag line as Hero is carried to funeral coach.
1300 – KSU to Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/HHQDcHhGbpFLmMHQA1330 – Arrival at Miramar National Cemetery
1345 – Dignified Flag Line as Hero is carried to Horse Drawn Coach.
1400 – Dignified Flag Line, Military Honors, and Funeral Service.
Jeff "TriGeezer" Werner
So Cal Patriot Guard Ride CaptainCarlsbad, Ca
Cell: 503-989-5315
Pgrtrigeezer@Yahoo.com
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
