James Alan Perkett

James “Jim” Alan Perkett, born September 13, 1938 – age 84, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of April 16, 2023.  Son of the late John A. (Genevieve) Perkett.  Loving father of Andrew (Angela) Perkett, and grandfather of Josephina and Jonathan.  Dear brother of the late John “Jack” (Barb) Perkett.  Cherished uncle to Laura (Ken) Wright and Joe (Laura) Perkett.  Caring great-uncle to Kayla Wright, Rachel (Tony) Watson, and the late Jacob Perkett.  Former husband (29 years) to Fran Mattingly.

Jim was born and raised in Detroit Michigan, however he spent most of his young life enjoying summers in Traverse City, Michigan, where both of his parents were originally from.  He graduated from Redford High School in 1956 and enrolled in the Michigan Air National Guard in May 1957, serving as a FCC certified radio operator, and leaving with a permanent rank of Staff Sargent.  He spent most of his post military career with Control Data Corporation, which was later acquired by Bell Atlantic, as a Computer Engineer where he worked on mainframe computer systems.

He was an avid scuba diver, meeting his wife, Fran, while diving at a resort on Glen Lake.  He enjoyed camping with friends, square dancing, and spending summers in the Traverse City area.  An active member of St. Agatha parish, he participated in the parish council and regularly worked the parish fair.

A huge race fan, Jim would plan many of his work trips to coincide with a NASCAR race in that area so he would be able to attend.  He even attended a race-driving school in Atlanta, Georgia.  He loved flying and took flight instruction for some time. Though he did not acquire a license, he did arrange for some flying adventures in WWII era fighter aircraft, including dueling against his son in the skies over Michigan.  Later in life, he delighted in traveling to exotic locations for dedicated scuba trips.

He moved to Manhattan, Kansas in 1994 to pursue a new opportunity within his company.  There, in July 1996, with an extra ticket to a Neil Diamond concert in hand, he met Kaye Johnson and the two began a long friendship, talking every day and spending weekends together taking turns cooking dinner.

In 2017, he moved to a senior living community in Indianapolis, Indiana to be closer to his son and his family.

A visitation for Jim will take place in Indiana on Monday, April 24 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Flanner Buchanan – Broad Ripple, 1305 Broad Ripple Ave., Indianapolis, IN.

In Michigan, a visitation for Jim will take place on Thursday, April 27 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm at Fred Wood Funeral Home, 36100 Five Mile Rd., Livonia, MI.  On Friday, April 28, he will lie in-state at St. Edith Church, 15089 Newburgh Rd., Livonia, at 10:30am, with a funeral mass at 11:00am.  Burial to immediately follow at Parkview Memorial Cemetery, 34205 Five Mile Rd., Livonia.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to GRRACE – Golden Retriever Rescue of Indiana and Alzheimer’s Association | Donate to Fight Alzheimer’s Disease