Walter James Perkins, more affectionately known as James, JP, Papa, Smoke, and Pop, of Charles Town, WV passed away unexpectedly on February 23, 2020 at the age of 55.

James is survived by his wife, Tracy Boller Perkins; children, Ethan Perkins (wife Kay Perkins), Carrie Perkins (Partner Caleb Piper), and Erin Perkins; parents, Betty and Sonny Gayle; sisters, Laura McGarry (husband Steve McGarry), and Wendy Stout (husband Gordon Stout); grandchild, James Atticus Perkins; aunt and uncle, Bonnie and Donald Berkley; niece and nephews, Steven, Sarah, Tyler, and Nick; and countless other uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. He is predeceased by father, Franklin Perkins; and uncles, Dennis, Butch, and Tom.

James was born June 29, 1964 and lived in Falls Church during his youth, he attended and graduated from Falls Church High School where he made many lifelong friendships. James also attended Mississippi State College on a baseball scholarship where he played the position of catcher. James is well known as the kind of man who would give you the shirt off of his back, his service to his community started as a young man when he served as a volunteer firefighter for Fairfax county Volunteer Fire & Rescue in Burke, VA at Station 14 for over a decade. He worked for HD Supply as a field representative in sales where he gained many achievements and many close friends during his 15+ years of employment. He also owned and ran a small BBQ catering business, Papa's Pigtastic BBQ, with his daughter and many family and friend volunteers. A man who kept himself busy within his community, James was a member of Covenant Baptist church where he worshiped with his family, an officer for a time at the Loyal Order of Moose, and "Road Captain" for Neptune's Chosen Motorcycle Club, he forged many lasting memories and friendships from each, are you noticing a trend?

Music lover and enthusiast, James began playing stand up bass as a young boy in his father's footsteps and continued on to play guitar and bass guitar, to sing his heart out, and to host many jam sessions with family and friends. He passed on his great love of music to his children. He mentored and coached in sports. He enjoyed golfing and riding his motorcycle with friends. Many stomachs will ache for his fantastic BBQ and food. Though, of his many interests and hobbies, James was known best for being a terrific friend and neighbor, he impacted many lives and forged many cherished friendships. A community was built upon his acts of kindness and countless givings. He was a devoted, loving, and abundantly humorous husband and father. He adored his two dogs, Chief and Sadie, and affectionately spoiled them. James will be deeply missed by his family and his friends, but his legacy and kindness will carry on with each of them.

A viewing will be held at Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home from 6-9PM on Thursday, February 27.

Address: 256 Halltown Road, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

A funeral will take place at Covenant Baptist Church at 2PM on Friday, February 28 officiated by Joel Rainey.

Address: 7485 Shepherdstown Pike, Shepherdstown, WV 25443

Donations in James's memory can be made to Greens for Bean or Bikers Against Heroin, both of which he volunteered with and contributed to.

Greens for Bean

PayPal-Greenforbean@yahoo.com

Checks-395 Mason Farm Dr, Kearneysville, WV 25430

Bikers Against Heroin (BAH)

PayPal-Bikersagainstheroinwv@gmail.com