James W. “Jim” Perkins

James W. “Jim” Perkins, age 74, of Ava, Ohio, died Sunday, May 26, 2024, at his home. He was born November 14, 1949, in Cambridge, son of the late Clarence E. “Bud” and Dorothy Mae “Dottie” Ball Perkins. Jim was a 1968 graduate of Shenandoah High School. He was employed for 30 years as a bus driver for Noble Local Schools. He retired in 2015 from the Caldwell Water Department and the Noble County Water Authority. Jim was a member of the Ava Free Methodist Church, where he served as superintendent for many years. He enjoyed fishing, spending time on his porch swing, and was always working on various projects. He was devoted to his family.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Darla Jean McCall Perkins, whom he married November 24, 1972, and who died March 16, 2019; a granddaughter, Kaitlyn Nicole Malhiet; three sisters, Twila Wheeler, Marlene Teters, and infant sister Delores Perkins; and a sister-in-law, Sandra Perkins.

Surviving are his daughters, Dawnetta J. (Chad) Carter and Lavonda P. (Michael) Malhiet, all of Ava; two grandchildren, Phillip James “PJ” (Berenice) Malhiet of Old Washington and Cody Allen Malhiet (Sara Harless) of Salesville; two great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Slone: two brothers, Fred (Bertha) Perkins of New Johnsonville, Tennessee, and Ed (Yvonne) Perkins of Pleasant City; a sister-in-law, Janie Hogan of Lore City; a brother-in-law, Robert (Ruthie) Wheeler of Cambridge; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends may call Friday, May 31, 2024, from 2-6 p.m. at McVay-Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street, Caldwell, where the funeral service will be observed Saturday, June 1 at 11 a.m. with Pastor David Wells officiating. Burial will follow at Halley’s Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ava Free Methodist Church, c/o Teresa Rayner, P.O. Box 61, Ava, Ohio, 43711. An online guestbook may be signed at www.mcvay-perkins.com