James William Perry

James “Jim” Perry, born on August 3, 1944, grew up a second generation Petaluman. He and his wife Trudy (Cella) were married for 61 years. Together they raised three children. He started as a mechanic for Ang Rossi in Santa Rosa, retired from the Marin Sonoma Mosquito Abatement, and ended his working years at Enterprise Renal Cars as a car hiker. In all his jobs, Jim enjoyed working with people and developing lifelong relationships. One of Jim’s passions was riding motorcycles. He raced in Sonoma County under the plate number 92G. He and his racing buddies started the Sonoma County Sport Cycle Association (SCSCA) in the early 1970s. The family-friendly club encouraged camaraderie, camping, and the fun of off-road riding.

By the late 1980s, Jim was an avid attendee of Petaluma stock and sprint car races. On any Saturday night, he and Trudy would be in the stands cheering on the local drivers. Not long after, his nine grandchildren began arriving. He was a loving and enthusiastic grandfather, playing with them and encouraging them in their lives.

After retirement, Jim kept himself busy with restoring a 1963 Nova Wagon and a 1965 Nova 2-Door Hardtop. He and Trudy travelled all over California entering the Wagon in car shows. Of course, he made lifelong friends there, too. His favorite show was in Bowling Green, Kentucky. They drove the Wagon cross-country in summer with no air conditioning, and he loved the journey. He danced at his granddaughter’s wedding and later welcomed three great grandchildren. For Jim, family was important. As the eighth of 10 siblings, Jim loved his brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews by blood and by marriage. He worked tirelessly on the family property where he grew up and lived all but 10 years of his life, maintaining and improving it. Jim always belonged to a group, and in his later years he was vigorously involved with United Ancient Order of Druids, Harmony Grove #38 of Petaluma. The society focuses on benevolence, education, fellowship, charity, and community service. Jim embodied these ideals and served as Noble Arch on and off over the years. He also loved his daily or twice daily walks around Petaluma. Over the last 20 years, Jim and Trudy walked 3 to 5 miles per day. And in Jim Perry-fashion, with that infectious, open, and friendly smile, he invited so many others into their sphere to stop and talk, making friendships along the way.

Jim passed after a short illness and is survived by his loving wife Trudy (Cella); his children: Gina and Martin (Bernard), Jim and Nicole (Perry), and Kimberly (Roberts); his grandchildren: Erin and Michael, Martin, Hunter and Suzie, Haley and Brandon, Kaitlyn, Maya, Lily, Gavin, and Juliette; his great-grandchildren: Andrew, Joanna, and Alexander; his brother, Leo and his sister Norene (Wright).

Funeral Service Scheduled for Monday, October 5, 2026: Visitation at Parent-Sorenson Mortuary 10am to 11am, Funeral Liturgy at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church 12pm, Burial at Calvary Cemetery 1pm, Luncheon at Holy Ghost Hall immediately following. All locations are in Petaluma.