Obituary of James Lawrence Perry

James Lawrence Perry, 84, of Centre Pike, Eastford, CT, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. Monday night, he had to go. He wrestled with it for four hours. He so wanted to stay and continue to care for us, but he knew he had to go. We assured him the love he gave would last for eternity and we would be alright. His body couldn't go, but he could. He closed his eyes Tuesday morning, never again to speak. Jim Blash placed him gently in his bed and his granddaughters held his hands. We were all able to say goodbye and finally at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday evening his body recognized his soul had left. God Bless you and bring you into eternal peace. We'll see you soon. He was the beloved husband of Betty (French) Perry; they were married October 30, 1948. He was born February 2, 1927 in Deland, FL, son of Edwin and Addy (Daniels) Perry. He was a veteran of WWII serving with the US Army. He had made his home in the Eastford- Woodstock area most of his life. James owned and operated the ARCO/ Mobil Service Station in Sturbridge, MA for over 40 years. He was a talented musician, a skilled wood crafter, had a great love for the out of doors and enjoyed his walks in the woods. James and his wife vacationed in Winter Haven, Florida for several years and in 1989 made it their winter home. He leaves in addition to his wife of 62 years, his children James L. Perry, Jr. of Hudson, MA; Edwin Clifford Perry, Sr. and his wife Pamela of Woodstock; Audrey Blash and her husband Peter, III of Southbridge, MA; siblings Gerald Racine of Woodstock, Marilyn Williams of Danielson; Natalie Freeman of Woodstock; grandchildren: Edwin C. Perry, Jr, Peter Blash, IV, James Perry Blash; Sarah Betty Blash; Julia Marie Blash; great grandchildren: Edwin Joseph Perry; Samantha Perry, many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Helen Joan Blash, his siblings, Fred Racine, Charles Racine, Robert Racine and Jacqueline Plante. The Funeral will be Monday, February 6, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the Eastford Baptist Church, 133 Union Road, Eastford, CT. Calling hours Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam, CT. Burial in North Ashford Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to Hospice of NE CT, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. To share a memory with his family, Light a Candle" at www.smithandwalkerfh.com