Racine – James "Mick" Perkins, Sr., 53 passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, October 20, 2009. He was born in Racine on January 19, 1956, son of the late Ronald and Barbara (nee: Bundy) Perkins. After high school, Mick enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from 1973-1975, and then in the reserve components of the Army and Navy. On October 2, 1976, he and Anna Marie Bure were married at St. Dismis Catholic Church in Waukegan, Illinois.

Mick was very proud of his military service, and was a life member of the Marine Corps League; American Legion Post 310; Viet Nam Veterans of America; the Racine County Veterans Firing Squad; and was very active at the VFW/Legacy Center. For each of the last 38 years he participated in the Racine 4th of July parade on either the Iwo Jima or Spirit of '76 float. He was passionate about WWII history, and in 2007 traveled to the beaches of Normandy, and many WWII museums. Mick also enjoyed collecting WWII memorabilia. He was very honest and frank in his beliefs, but you always knew where you stood, and his sense of humor will be missed by many. Mick was greatly anticipating the birth of his 3rd grandchild.

He is survived by his wife, Anna; their children, Michelle Ann (Josh) Hudson of Kenosha, and James Michael (Kerry) Perkins, Jr. of Racine; grandchildren, Henry Perkins, and Mae Holiday Perkins; sisters and brothers, Dawn (Joe Mara) Cooper of Milwaukee, Sandra Schumaker of Racine, Scott (Tina) Perkins of Norfolk, Virginia, Isa Sadlon of Milwaukee, and Marie (Nolan) Penson of Sacramento, California; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends, including Rick Ferraro of Crown Point, Indiana. He was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Willie Schumaker.

Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 6:00 pm on Friday, October 23, 2009 with Rev. Ron Gramza officiating. Visitation will begin at 4:00 pm. Interment and military honors will be conducted at West Lawn Memorial Park on Monday at 2:00 pm. Memorials to the Disabled American Veterans have been suggested.