Forest James (Jim) Perry, 77, of Riverview, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer.

Jim was born on Dec. 13, 1947, to (Virginia) Alfreda and Estal Perry. Jim spent his early life in the La Porte, Indiana area, living in Fish Lake, La Porte, and Union Mills. He moved to Riverview in 2006. Jim graduated from La Porte High School, served in the Air Force in Vietnam, and spent his career in the Heating and Cooling business. Jim was Mr. Fix-It and could work on anything from home remodeling to car repairs. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, genealogy, visiting the beach, going out to eat, shopping, and reading. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, his daughters, Aleea (Scott Mutkus) Perry of Aliquippa, PA; Alyssa (Colin) Lobo of Carmel, IN; his stepsons, Larry (LauraLee) Lundgren of Rolling Prairie, IN; and Darren Bailey and Terry Bailey of Riverview, and numerous grandchildren and stepgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Linda and Stella; his brothers, Paul, William (Bill), and Everett Nathan; his stepson, Douglas Bailey; and his daughter-in-law, Sherri Lundgren. He will be interred at Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota, FL, on Friday, December 19, 2025. A celebration of life will be held in 2026 in Rolling Prairie, IN.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Jim’s honor to the La Porte, IN Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1130, where he was a life member.