Jimmy Franklin "Jim" Perry

Jimmy Franklin “Jim” Perry, age 85, of Evening Shade Drive, Boone, passed away Friday evening, March 13, 2026, at Cannon Memorial Hospital in Banner Elk. Born October 31, 1940, in Watauga County, he was a son of Arvell Lester and Ethel Core Greer Perry.

Jim was member and deacon of Westside Baptist Church. Born and raised in the Silverstone community. He loved traveling to local churches and playing the piano. Jim had many friends through the years, whether he grew up with them, knew them from church, or while selling at the flea market.

Jim dedicated most of his life to playing gospel music for the Lord. He taught himself to play the guitar at age 5, then later banjo and the piano. Played in several gospel groups in the 70’s. Owned Jim’s Gospel Music for many years. In the 80’s and on, you would see him weekends selling gospel tapes and CDs at the flea markets. Once he retired, he became Westside’s piano player.

Though his body started failing him in later years, he would always smile seeing a familiar face. For his girls, all they had to say was “I’m Jim Perry’s daughter” and people would instantly know who you were. People often remember his grin, and he was often teased for not having a single gray hair.

He truly loved people and sharing his love for God through music. We sure are going to miss the tickling of those piano keys.

Jim is survived by his wife of 66 years. Nancy Kinzer Perry; daughters, Anita Dollars and husband, Larry Wayne, of Mountain City, TN and April Vance and husband, Robert, of Zionville; four grandchildren, Ashley Dollars and husband, Shawn and Emmy Lou Dollars, all of Mountain City, TN; Katie Carlson and husband Patrick, of Fleetwood and Caleb Vance of Zionville and two great grandchildren, Logan Carlson and Cayden Carlson; his brother, Lester Arnt Perry and wife, Malinda, of Hudson; two nieces, Leslie Hawkins and husband, Tracy, of Morganton and Miranda Denning and husband, Robert, of Granite Falls; and one great niece and three great nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Kim Ann Perry.

Funeral service for Jim Perry will be conducted Sunday afternoon, March 22, 2026, at 3 o’clock at the Austin and Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Pastor David Ward and Rev. Andy Watson. Family will receive friends from 1:30-3 o’clock prior to services. Graveside services will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens, 521 Old East King Street, Boone, NC.

Memorials may be made to the Perry family to assist with expenses.

Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Perry family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jimmy Franklin "Jim" Perry, please visit our floral store.