James Henry “Jim” Perry, 85, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026. 

Born December 30, 1940, in Madison, Wisconsin, Jim grew up in Cambridge, where his parents, George and Marie (Roth) Perry, managed the Swiss Wheel Cheese House. He graduated from Cambridge High School before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1959, serving four years in radio communications. 

Following his military service, Jim pursued higher education with dedication and discipline. He earned a degree in Biological Science with a minor in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, later obtaining a Master’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Illinois, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Counseling. He began his career as a mathematics teacher at Cambridge High School and later at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater before transitioning into the early and developing field of computer science. 

While serving at Bear Trap Ranch, a Christian summer camp, Jim met Marilynn J. Miller. United by faith and shared purpose, they were married on April 6, 1968. Together they built a life centered on family, church, and service. Jim spent the majority of his years in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, with shorter seasons in Madison and in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he and Marilynn owned and operated an assisted living facility. 

Faith was central to Jim’s life. At Faith Community Church in Fort Atkinson, he devoted much of his time to teaching Bible studies, narrating Christmas programs, and faithfully supporting the ministry of the church alongside Marilynn. A strong and serious man with an understated and sometimes unexpected sense of humor, Jim was also a man of deep thought. He loved theology, philosophy, and exploring the mysteries of humanity. 

He found joy in woodworking, crafting beautiful tables and intricate puzzle toys, and he held a lifelong fascination with the stars, often turning to a telescope to study the night sky. 

After Marilynn’s passing, Jim later married Carol R. Menzer on December 30, 2019. They shared companionship and faith in the years that followed. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Northey Perry and Marie Helen (Roth) Perry; his first wife, Marilynn J. Perry (Miller); his brothers, Tom Perry and his infant brother, William Perry; and his brother-in-law, Carl Hafemann. 

He is survived by his wife, Carol R. Perry (Menzer); his children, Sandy (James) Johnson and Tim (Darla) Perry; his grandchildren, Alyssa Johnson and Scott Johnson; his siblings, Mary Hafemann and Peter Perry; and his nieces and nephews, Julie Hafemann, Kevin (Marie Peeters Schuelke) Hafemann, Jennifer (Jim) Perry Holeman, Evy (Tim) Perry Jeffers, and Ryan (Kathy) Perry, along with extended family members and friends. 

We celebrate that Jim is now in his heavenly home, though he will be deeply missed.