Freddie Jim Perkins

Freddie Jim Perkins, 70, of Nevada, Mo., was received by the Lord on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in his home with family by his side. Freddie was born to Floyd and Janet Perkins on Aug. 19, 1943, who preceded him in death, as well as his beloved uncle, Jimmy Smith.

Freddie grew up on his family farm in rural Walker, Mo. After graduating salutatorian from Walker High School, he attended Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo., where he obtained his bachelor's degree in agriculture. After college he was a car salesman and financial officer for Richardson Motor Company and then store manager of the Firestone in Nevada. Freddie worked for the city of Nevada as a groundskeeper at the city golf course for 16 years, until his early retirement due to Parkinson's disease.

Freddie enjoyed watching all kinds of sports and listening to talk radio. Freddie had a wonderful sense of humor including a joyous, contagious smile. Freddie used his sense of humor to sometimes drive his wife bonkers while on long car trips. When listening to talk radio he would purposely let the radio station go to static and see how long it would take her to throw her hands in the air and shut the radio off in disgust. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, enjoyed NASCAR racing and followed Richard Petty's career. Freddie was also a member of First Christian Church in Nevada.

Freddie is survived by his wife of 41 years, Joanna Lee Crawford-Perkins. Freddie was a loving father, survived by two children: son, Travis Jim Perkins, of the home, and daughter, Martha Lee Perkins, of Springfield. He is also survived by two brothers and two sisters, Eddie Perkins and wife, Sharyn, Charlie Perkins of Nevada, Marja Crouse and husband, Don, and Marye Ann Callaway and husband, D.A.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Nevada Regional Medical Center Foundation, 800 S. Ash, Nevada, MO 64772, or in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada. Family will receive friends from 1 to 1:45 p.m., at Ferry Funeral Home, prior to graveside service at 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 3.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.