James Howard Perry

James Howard Perry, age 81 of Demorest, passed away Wednesday, December 08, 2010, at his residence following an extended illness.
Born in Madison County on December 04, 1929, he was the son of the late Luke Henry and Mellie Elizabeth McElreath Norris Perry. Mr. Perry was member, elder and deacon of the First Presbyterian Church of Cornelia. He was a Korean veteran serving in the US Navy. Mr. Perry was an educator with the Habersham School system for many years. During his tenure he served as the principal of Demorest Elementary School for 17 years, Hazel Grove Elementary for three years and Mud Creek School for one year, where he was a basketball coach. Mr. Perry also taught at Baldwin Elementary for 10 years. He was a life time member of the Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720 and was also a member of the Cornelia Lions Club, Habersham SAR and the Cornelia Rotary Club. Mr. Perry was a member of the Clarkesville Masonic Lodge #325 F. & A.M., where he received his 50 year pin, and was a member of the Yaarab Shrine. For 15 years he was on the Board of Tax Assessors in Habersham County. Mr. Perry enjoyed hunting, farming and gardening in his spare time. He also enjoyed sports and was an avid football fan. Mr. Perry loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. In addition to his parents, Mr. Perry was also preceded in death by sisters, Allene Ramsey, Ann Mills and Isabelle Bridges; brothers, Dock Perry, H.G. Perry, Odell Perry, Guy Perry and Earl Perry.
Surviving are wife of 56 years, Rebecca Brown Perry of Demorest; daughter, Anne Perry Cash of Demorest; son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Michelle Perry of Demorest; granddaughter and spouse, Amanda and Michael Weaver; granddaughter, Courtney Cash and grandson Kyle Cash; great grandson, Landon James Weaver; sisters, Martha Black of Hull, GA and Grace Robertson of Palm Beach, FL; brothers, Ambus Perry of Lavonia, L.G. Perry of Commerce, Robert Perry of Danielsville and Lamar Perry of Hoschton, GA.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 10, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church of Cornelia with Rev. Blaine Walker officiating. Interment will follow in Level Grove Cemetery with Masonic Rites provided by Clarkesville Masonic Lodge #325 F. & A.M. and full military honors provided by the Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720, Rabun County DAV Chapter #15 and the Habersham County American Legion Post #84. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-9 pm on Thursday. The family is at the residence.
Flowers are accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Cornelia, P.O. Box 165, Cornelia, GA 30531.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.