July 20, 1946 ~ April 2, 2015
You could define James Melvin Perkins–July 20, 1946 to April 2, 2015–by his many activities. He was a state trooper for nearly 30 years, a basketball referee for countless high school games across the state of Kentucky, a sports radio announcer, and a devoted member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. However, what will be remembered most about Melvin Perkins is not what he did, but rather who he was. He was a loving husband, father, and a proud and doting grandfather. He never met a stranger and had a special charisma that made him instantly recognizable and memorable. He was well-liked and respected by those who knew him.
Melvin joked that he could talk about anything. “I could talk about my big toe for 30 minutes,” he often quipped. However this ‘joke’ wasn’t too far from the truth. Melvin was never at a loss for words. From chatting with his friends at the coffee shop, to speaking to a room full of people, Melvin was always an entertaining character. His role as the public relations officer for the Kentucky State Police took advantage of this gift, as many may remember him for his presentations to the student body at area schools and his interviews on WBKO. Known only to his family, Melvin always found a way to do a quick rub of his nose on camera to stealthily communicate his love to them.
In his early years, Melvin was an active high school basketball and football player, graduating from Hiseville High School in 1964. This led to his later passion for sports and his contribution to high school athletics through refereeing and broadcasting. After graduating high school, Melvin served his country from 1964-1968 in the United States Army. He became a Kentucky State Police Officer in 1969, where he served the Commonwealth for 28 and a half years. He was stationed to Post 3 in Bowling Green where he began as a road officer and then moved on to Public Relations for many years before moving to drivers license/CDL testing later in his career.
In his retired years, Melvin served three terms as the Magistrate for Hart County’s District 2. He enjoyed meeting and helping the citizens in his district and valued the opportunity to continue to serve his community. In addition to his service to constituents, Melvin enjoyed gardening and spending time with family and friends. He also loved his church, Pleasant Valley in Uno, where he was a member and a Sunday School Superintendent for many years.
He was preceded in death by his mother Evelyn Perkins and niece Michalle Williams. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Dianna Grizzle Perkins of Horse Cave, his two children: a son Shawn Perkins (and wife Debbie) of Glasgow and a daughter Gina Huff (and husband Shawn) of Scottsville. He had three grandchildren: Amanda Perkins, Eric Perkins, and Taylor Beth Huff. He is also survived by his father Howard Perkins of Glasgow and a sister Carol Williams (and husband Mike) of Glasgow.
Services are under the direction of Hatcher and Saddler Funeral Home in Glasgow. Visitation will begin
Sunday, April 5 at 11 a.m.
The funeral will be held
on Monday, April 6 at 1 p.m.
at the funeral home with burial to follow at Glasgow Municipal Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Trooper Island or the American Heart Association.