James Russell Perry, 81, of Montezuma and formerly of Zearing, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, September 12, 2019 at the Zearing Health Care Center in Zearing, Iowa. A celebration service to remember James's life will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Dakins Community Center in Zearing, Iowa. Pastor Chuck Ryan will officiate. A luncheon and visitation will follow the service at Dakins Community Center. Burial will take place at a later date in the Lincoln Township Cemetery in Zearing, Iowa. James was born premature, just 2.5 lbs, on August 23, 1938 in State Center, Iowa to Russell and Ruby (Engle) Perry. He graduated from Zearing High School in 1958. After school he started farming with his father and brother. He married the love of his life, Helen Lanning on March 19, 1961. To this union three children were born Kevin, Linda, and David. James and Helen farmed with Loren Perry until 1986 when Loren moved to Missouri. Then their boys joined the family farming operation. James retired in 2012 when he moved to Lake Ponderosa. He was a member of the Zearing Christian Church and Farm Bureau. James loved his family, farming, fishing, and spending time with his grandkids. James never met a stranger and truly enjoyed meeting and talking to people. Those left to cherish his loving memory are his wife Helen Perry, children Kevin Perry, Linda (Kevin) Frohwein, and David Perry; grandchildren Stacy (Royce) Good, Vici Banks, Jason Banks, Macy Perry, and Jake Perry, great-granchildren Leighton, Rylan, and Reagan; sister JoAnn Hesson; sister-in-law Bonnie (Roy) Steiner; brother-in-law Harold "Butch" (Sandy) Lanning, and Robert Lanning; special friends Phil and Sandy McBride; several nieces, and nephews; and many close friends. James was preceded in death by his parents; brother Loren Perry; and brother-in-law Larry Hesson. Memorial contributions may be directed to Care Initiative Hospice, 1611 W Lakes Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266 Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care in Zearing has been entrusted with the care of James and his family. Service Dakins Community Center 105 East Main Street Zearing, IA 50278 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM