Patricia Jean “Pat” James Perkins, 81, of Herculaneum died April 29, 2017, at St. Anthony’s Medical Center.
Mrs. Perkins grew up in Fenton along the river road and was the oldest of 10 children, affectionately called the “James Gang.”
She worked as a waitress for many years. Later she worked for MEAAA, with the Jefferson County courts, Dunklin R-5 School District, Mastodon State Park and Goodwill. She also worked at the Festus Walmart.
In her younger years, Mrs. Perkins enjoyed dancing and bowling. She also enjoyed playing bingo with her fellow residents at Autumn Ridge and watching Cardinal baseball, and Mrs. Perkins had a T-shirt for every occasion.
Born May 19, 1935, in Vienna, she was the daughter of the late Elbert and Belva James.
She is survived by three children: Dale (Rhonda) James of Cortez, Fla., Dawn (Kevin) Steinmeyer of Imperial and Shawn (Kim) Perkins of Newnan, Ga.; 10 grandchildren: Amy James, Austin James, Alyssa Perkins, Elijah Perkins, Ethan Perkins, Mikayla Perkins, Cody Steinmeyer, Travis Steinmeyer, Cary Armbruster and Lauren Armbruster; six siblings: Faye (Roger) Peterson of Union, Bill (Donna) James of Cedar Hill, Galen James of Fenton, Jesse James of Niles, Ill., Keith (Anna) James of Woodward, Okla., Debbie (Bob) Beckmann of Villa Ridge; and one sister-in-law: Lisa James of Cedar Hill.
She was preceded in death by two brothers: Alvin James and Rick James; and two sisters-in-law: Bertie (Jim) Mullins and Nancy James
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Monday, May 15, at the Jay B. Smith Funeral Home-Fenton Chapel, 777 Oakwood Drive., Fenton. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 16, at the Jay B. Smith Funeral Home Fenton Chapel. Burial will be in James Community Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Jay B. Smith Funeral Home.