WILMINGTON — James L. Perry of Scott’s Hill, NC was born in Wilmington on January 30,1942. He departed for his Heavenly home on his 84th birthday, January 30,2026.
James was a wonderful husband to his childhood sweetheart Pamela Garner Perry for 62 years. Together they provided a loving home to daughters Rebecca P. Scruggs (Randall) and Sandra P. Bailey (Greg) in Scotts Hill where many memories were made. She preceded him in death January 31, 2025.
He will always be Papa in the hearts of his grandchildren Douglas Goodwin, (Tiffanie) and Great-granddaughter Fayth Goodwin, Ashtyn Pridgen (Corey Ballesteros) Dustin Bailey, Evan Scruggs (Kristen) Lilly and Colton Scuggs, Tyler and Cam Scruggs. He leaves behind two brothers, George Perry Sr and Clarence Perry as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his parents George Lucas Perry and Mary Davis Bland Perry and granddaughter Lyndsey Goodwin Palmer.
James was an avid fisherman all of his life. His keen knowledge of the intracoastal waterway as a commercial fisherman and the stories he shared earned him the affectionate title of “Captain James”. After years of faithful service, Sgt. Perry retired from the NC Port Authority-Wilmington leaving time for faith, family and fishing. In a recent conversation he stated that Scotts Hill was a great place to raise a family. To quote him, “It has been a good life.”
