Jim Perry Obituary

James Neal Perry, 67, of Bethel, Missouri, passed away on May 15, 2025, surrounded by family on the land he loved. Born on April 23, 1958, to Robert Neal Perry and Kathleen Ann Perry, Jim was the firstborn of four siblings and grew up on the family farm where he developed a deep-rooted passion for agriculture, faith, and hard work. That passion took him to the University of Missouri, where he served as a Missouri FFA State Vice President, earned his American Farmer Degree in 1979, and traveled the country with the University's Livestock Judging Team-combining his passions for people, storytelling, and livestock. After graduating in 1980, Jim returned to the family farm. He married his high school sweetheart, Paula Hewitt, on December 19, 1981, and together they built a life centered around love, community, and raising their two children, Megan Jo and Christopher Neal. A devoted husband and father, Jim was never known for punctuality-but he was always present. Whether it was a ballgame, recital, livestock show, or phone call on a birthday, his children and friends could count on his unwavering support and heartfelt laugh. Jim lived a life of service. He gave generously of his time and talents to the Bethel Christian Church, serving as a board member, elder, and deacon. He was a steadfast supporter of local 4-H and FFA chapters and was the first to show up when a neighbor needed help-whether clearing a road, cutting wood, fixing a tractor, or planting a field. Farming was more than a job to Jim. He believed deeply in putting in the work and trusting God for the outcome. Nothing made him prouder than working side by side with his son Christopher, building a legacy rooted not just in the soil, but in faith, family, and integrity. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Paula Perry; his daughter Megan Klein (Corey), grandchildren Cooper and Riley; his son Christopher Perry (Jessica), and granddaughters Caroline, Abigail, and Evelyn. He is also survived by his mother Kathleen Perry; brothers Lindall Perry (Jane Ann), Michael Perry; and sister, Eunice Perry-Harris (John), along with many nieces, nephews, and friends who felt like family. He was preceded in death by his father, Bob Perry. Jim Perry will be remembered for his generous heart, steadfast faith, contagious laugh, and the way he made everyone feel like a friend. His legacy lives on in the fields he tended, the stories he told, and the love he poured into everyone he met. "Well done, good and faithful servant." Visitation will be held from 5 pm to 8 pm on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Bethel Christian Church in Bethel, MO. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10 am at Bethel Christian Church. Burial will be in Shelby Memorial Cemetery in Shelbyville, MO. Memorials may be made to Shelby Memorial Cemetery or Show-Me Christian Youth Home. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Jim Perry, please visit our Tree Store.