James A. Perkne Sr.
Age 76, of Romeoville passed away peacefully on Monday, October 30, 2023, with family and friends by his side, after a heartbreaking battle with dementia.
James was born in Chicago on April 16, 1947 to Mildred and Louis Perkne. He attended Lockport West High School, graduating with the class of 1965.
In 1976, James met the light and love of his life, Oralia “Lolly” while working at Joliet Wrought Washers, Co. In Rockdale. After a whirlwind relationship, the two became engaged and married on April 27, 1979. They just celebrated 44 years of wedded bliss. James was an extremely dedicated, hardworking man who fulfilled his dream of becoming a successful business owner when he owned, and operated Standard Heat Treating in Cicero for 20 years from 2001 to 2021.
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James enjoyed taking trips to Branson with his “bride” Lolly. There he would marvel in nature while fishing during the day and a dinner and show with Lolly in the evenings; their favorite being the Elvis impersonator Tony Roi.
James also enjoyed hunting and fishing in Lake Powell, Canada, Big Oak Hunting Club in Lincoln, Illinois, and Clinton Lake. He also practiced taxidermy. He also would paint fishing lures and jigs to take with him on his fishing adventures. When James wasn’t fishing, hunting, trapping, and being a man of the wild he enjoyed working in the yard, decorating the house for the holidays (especially displaying his patriotic décor), and designing jewelry for his love Lolly.
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James had a big heart and always helped those that needed it. He was a huge supporter of St. Jude’s Children Hospital and the Wounded Warrior Foundation. He faithfully contributed to them both. His kindest, and most heartfelt, gift was the ability to sponsor a hunting trip for a wounded warrior.
James was a Freemason Past Master at the Wilmington Lodge 208 and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.
He was welcomed into eternity by his parents Mildred and Louis.
James is survived by his light and love of his life, Oralia “Lolly”. His legacy lives on through his children: Nathan (Melissa) Villagomez, Carrie (Brian) Labuda, Melissa “Missy” Perkne, and James “Jimmy” (MaryBeth) Perkne, Jr., 8 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Louis “Chip” (Carol) Perkne.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made in James’ name and memory to Lightways Hospice.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 from noon until 4:00 P.M. at Carlson Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, with a funeral service to follow at 4:00 P.M.
For more information, please call 815-744-0022 or visit www.CHSFUNERAL.com
