Republic - James Edward Perry, age 62, of E 3576 South M-95 Republic Twp., passed away at 12:50 P, Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 at Milwaukee VA Medical Center.

James was born in Ishpeming on November 11, 1946, the son of the late Robert A. and Irma E. (Hanninen) Perry. He was a graduate of Ishpeming High School. He faithfully served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era, on the USS Chukawan in the Mediterranean Sea, being honorable discharged in 1966. Jim was a former member of the Republic Volunteer Fire Dept., and of the Republic Sportsman Club. He was a member of the American Military Retirees Association. Jim was an Iron Worker as a member of the Iron Workers Local #8, which he had retired from in 1997. Over the years Jim had worked on projects at nearly every mine in Marquette County, the last being at the Republic Mine.

Jim is survived by his wife of 43 years Karen Perry of Republic, a son Shane Perry and his daughters Dana and Danielle Perry of Republic, a daughter Tracy (Joel) Willis and their children Bradley, Kathryn and Jacob Willis all of Crestview, FL, two sisters – Mary Lou Messick of Zion, IL and Gail (Rodney) Tarvainen of Covington, two brothers – Keith (Nancy) Perry of Republic and Paul Perry and his significant other Wanda of Republic, a sister-in-law Diane Perry of Republic, cousin Estelle Martin of Republic, his mother-in-law Florence Delliss of Ishpeming, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Greeting him in heaven are his parents Bob & Irma Perry, his brother and sister-in-law - Spike and Georgean Perry, a brother Bob Perry, a sister Diane Mattila, and a daughter-in-law Karen Davis.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home at 1:00PM on Tuesday, May 26th, with Rev. Katherine Finegan to officiate. The family will greet friends and relatives from 11:00Am until the time of services at 1:00 at the funeral home on Tuesday. A luncheon will follow the services at the Grant - Nyman Republic VFW.