James "Jim" Edwin Perkins

James “Jim” Edwin Perkins, 88 years old, of Benton, Arkansas, went home to be with the Lord on October 2, 2023.  He was born March 18, 1935, in Bauxite, Arkansas to the late Jack and Hazel Perkins.

Jim was in the U.S. Air Force and retired after serving over 22 years at the Rank of  MSGT.  He served in the Vietnam War and received the Bronze Star Medal for his quick thinking and saving his whole platoon from attack!   He also retired from Pine Bluff Arsenal after working 17 years.  Jim was loved by family and friends.

One special memory was when Top Gun Part 2 came to the theaters.  Jim went to see it 15 times and then finally took his family to buy it when it came out on DVD.  He loved watching old Western movies and watching all the football games possible.  Jim also enjoyed playing golf or going to the Jacksonville Air Force Base.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Jack & Hazel Perkins of Bauxite, Arkansas; sister, Joyce Lowe of Texarkana, Arkansas; brother-in-law, Wade Pritchard of Benton, Arkansas; and grandson, Jax Perkins of Benton, Arkansas.

He leaves behind on Earth to cherish his memories his loving wife, Joanne Perkins; five sons: Daniel (Jessica) Perkins of Benton,  Arkansas, John (Ashley) Perkins of Avila,  Arkansas, Jimmy (Rose) Perkins of Garden City,  Kansas,  Harold (Janie) Perkins of  Graden City, Kansas, and Jacob Perkins; grandchildren:  Bryce (Brenda) Perkins of Benton, Arkansas, Brandon (Abby) Perkins, Tessa Guilbeault of Avila, Arkansas, Willow Perkins of Avila, Arkansas; three sisters:  Carylon Fleming of North Little Rock,  Arkansas, Yovonne Pritchard of Benton, Arkansas, and Linda (Larry) Davenport of White Hall, Arkansas; and a host of additional grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, family members and friends who love Jim and will miss him always.

Services with military honors will be held at First Baptist Church of Benton, 211 S Market Street, Benton Arkansas, on Monday, October 9, 2023, with visitation held from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM and service following at 11:00 AM.   A meal will be held following the service for family and friends.  In addition, a private family service will be held at a later date.  Honorary pallbearers are Johnny Perkins, Adam Pritchard, Tony Davenport, Michael Davenport, Paul George, and Wade Goodwin.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.