James Melvin Perkins
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.
I’,m so sorry for your lose. I knew Melvin as I worked with him at Hart County Judge Executive as he served in the position of Magistrate.
May God be with your family at this time of need.
Cherryl Goodman
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Melvin and I worked for many years at Post 03. He was always a jokester. Sometimes when he couldn’t make it to event where he had to seek he would call me to fill in for him. He had confidence in me to do that. When he would be working a ball game in Logan County he would jokingly ask if my wife was going to be there because she would act like she was giving him a hard time on calls. After he retired we would alway run into him at Mammoth Cave. Melvin passed away on my wife and I’s 38 anniversary. He was a good christian person. We will have your family in our prayers. Jerry Smith (K.S.P. Unit- 944 Retired)
Diana, So sorry for your loss! Your family has our Prayers! The Barton Family.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I thought alot of Melvin and he will be missed. God bless you Diana and Shawn and Gina. Your family is my my prayers.
We are so sorry to hear about Melvin our hearts are heavy with sadness. You will be in our PRAYERS. GONE TO SOON But never forgotten!!!!!! So sorry can’t come and be with family but you will forever be in our thoughts!!! May GOD be with you through this time of loss and need..
So sorry to hear Melvin passed away,my thoughts and prayers are with all of you .My the Lord put his loving arms around you and hold you close through this time……
If everyone who admired Melvin were to post their thoughts about him we would overload this site. Melvin was a fine man. It was a pleasure to work with him during his days as a State Trooper. I was privilidged to work with him in many of his assignments. He was a guy everyone enjoyed being around. I remember listening to his broadcasts of high school sporting events. I can also remember my father, W. B. (Jack) Borden speaking very highly of him as a basketball referee. Melvin and dad worked numerous games together.
I am very blessed to have been his friend. Thanks for sharing him with all of us! He will be sadly missed, but happily remembered!
Gina,we are so very sorry for your lose. You and your family are sure in our thoughts and prayers.
Love to you’ll,
Pam and Floyd Farmer
Melvin was a really great guy I enjoyed working with and talking to. Our prayers are with the family.
I first got to know Melvin as a Sophomore in high school while working as a DJ at WKAY (now WCLU). He would bring by PSAs and similar things for us to run on the air. At first, he would seem gruff, but that quickly turned into a smile and we talked a lot in the 5 years I worked there. To my amazement, many years later, we would become my sister’s father-in-law. What a wonderful and unexpected surprise. I’ve always thought a lot of Melvin. He will be very missed by many, many people.
Very sorry to hear about Melvin, knew him for many years. I began my career in Horse Cave and had coffee with him at the famous Hill’s restaurant every morning, alway’s hearing him call 10-8 as U/673.
Melvin was alway’s a role model for me. He will be greatly missed by many, many people.
Gone but not forgotten. Prayers lifted up for the family.
Diane, Shawn and Gina, I am so sorry for your loss, I pray for comfort as you go through this time. Melvin was a true friend and brother in the KSP family. I will miss him and his quick wit, he was always a great example for others. I apologize that I cannot be there, but wanted you to know you are in my thoughts. RIP U/673
Gina and family, I was so sorry to hear about Melvin. He was always a pleasure to be around as I got to know him during the time I was at Caverna High School. I know for a fact that he loved his family very much and was proud to be a your father and a husband to Diane. May GOD be with all of you during this most difficult time. PSALMS 30 VERSE 5…