James "Bubba" Perry, 69

James Emmons "Bubba" Perry was born December 6th, 1947 in Palestine, Texas. He passed away peacefully Friday, October 20th, 2017 at his lakehouse with his loving daughter at his side, after a long battle with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He was 69 years old. Bubba was baptized in 2006 by Dan Manuel at Crockett Road Church of Christ and had a personal relationship with his Savior.

Bubba is survived by his daughter Lacey Nicole Perry and sister Ellen Perry Ingram both of Palestine, Texas; nieces Cecilia Lee Constancio and Melinda Lee Clayton of Jacksonville, Texas; half-brother Cecil Allen Perry and half-sister Doris Jean Saxton of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, Canada. He was preceded in death by his father Cecil Perry and his mother Mary Ellen (Emmons) Kestler.

Bubba was a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he earned many medals including 3 Purple Hearts for being wounded 3 different times in combat, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal (2 tours), Vietnam Campaign Medal (2 tours), Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star Award, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" for Valor, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Civil Action Award, Meritorious Combat Promotion to Sergeant after serving only 18 days as Corporal, Presidential Unit Citation 1968, Rifle Expert Badge. Bubba was proud to be a Marine.

After 3 years of Vietnam, he worked as an Engineer for Missouri Pacific Railroad. He enjoyed the great outdoors to the fullest. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. The bond of the brotherhood of his Vietnam buddies never left him. He was a true patriot and war hero, and truly loved all the men he served with. His humor and love of life will be missed by all who knew him.

Special thanks to Laura Torrez, RN and all the staff at Hospice of East Texas and Herrington / Land of Memory Funeral Home.

"My Dad was the best Dad that anyone could ever ask for, and I can't imagine what my life may have been like without him. My Dad went above and beyond to make sure I was always happy and had everything I ever needed and could possibly want. I am so fortunate and very thankful to have been blessed with such a good loving and caring Dad, who loved me unconditionally no matter what. We were each other's world, and we share a bond that will never end.

My father was not only a good Dad, but he was a very good person as well, and had such a good heart. He would go out of his way just to help someone and see them smile. My Dad meant well, and was a man of his word. He had a sense of humor like no other and was a "one of a kind.' There will never be another like him. He even risked his life and fought for our country as a Sergeant in the Vietnam War while getting wounded three times, and earning three Purple Heart medals. He was not only a War Hero, but he is my Hero as well. I love my Dad more than anything in this world and I would give anything just to hear his voice again. I know he is now in Heaven in a much better place, with no pain and suffering. I will forever love and miss you Dad, while cherishing all of our great memories that we shared together. Love your Daughter, Lacey Nicole Perry"

Service Schedule