James W. Perry
5/3/57-1/10/26
James Whitfield “Jimmy” Perry, affectionately known to many as Coach Perry, went to be with Jesus on January 10, 2026, at the age of 68.
Born on May 3, 1957, in Montgomery, Alabama, Jimmy Perry lived a life defined by unwavering faith, deep devotion to family, and an extraordinary calling to coach and mentor young men through the game of football. He most recently resided in Dadeville, Alabama, at Lake Martin, where he cherished time with family and reflected on a life richly lived in service to others.
Jimmy was devotedly married to the love of his life, Judith Massey Perry, for more than 47 years. Together, they built a family grounded in faith, discipline, love, and purpose.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; his children, Jana and Danny (Annette); and his beloved grandchildren, Lily, Lucy, and Jack, who were a constant source of pride and joy. He is also survived by his four younger brothers, Randy (Paige), Mike (Joanne), Steve (Darla), and Scott (Sheila).
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, James Loy (Jim) Perry and Margie Keaton Perry, whose influence helped shape the man of character, conviction, and leadership he became.
To everyone else, Jimmy Perry was known simply as Coach—not only by profession, but by calling. His life motto, “Faith. Family. Football.”, was not merely a phrase, but the framework by which he lived.
He began his coaching career in 1979 at Trinity Presbyterian, before joining the staff at Robert E. Lee High School, where he served from 1982 to 2000. In 1995, he was named head coach, leading the program with discipline, vision, and integrity while shaping the lives of countless student-athletes.
In 2000, Coach Perry joined the Auburn University football staff, where he served as Director of High School and NFL Relations and later as Director of Football Operations until 2009. During his time at Auburn, he impacted players at the collegiate level while remaining known for his steadfast character, leadership, and commitment to developing young men beyond the game.
From 2009 to 2012, he served as Head Football Coach at St. Paul’s in Mobile, continuing his legacy of mentorship and excellence. In 2012, he began what would become the final chapter of his career at St. James School. In 2022, Coach Perry was inducted into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame, and later that same year led St. James to its first state football championship—a historic achievement reflecting decades of preparation, perseverance, and belief. He retired from coaching in 2023, leaving behind a legacy few can equal.
After retiring from coaching in 2023, Jimmy’s commitment to service and leadership did not slow down. He continued to pour himself into his community, volunteering with the Union Fire and Rescue Department, where his steady presence, dependability, and servant’s heart were deeply valued. He also served as a boat captain for the Reeltown High School Fishing Team, investing time, encouragement, and guidance into young people in a way that felt both familiar and meaningful. Whether on the sidelines, in the community, or out on the water, Jimmy remained what he had always been—a coach, a leader, and a man devoted to serving others.
Although Coach Perry earned numerous prestigious honors and lifetime achievement awards throughout his career, his greatest victories were never confined to trophies or titles. His true legacy lives on in the thousands of young men he mentored—teaching them discipline, accountability, perseverance, faith, and integrity long after the final whistle blew.
Those who knew him would describe Jimmy as faithful, tough, principled, and deeply inspirational. He was a man of unwavering integrity who believed in doing things the right way, holding high standards, and leading by example—on the field, in the locker room, and in life.
One of his favorite coaching sayings was, “The only thing more fun than winning is winning again.” Today, his family finds peace in believing that Coach Perry has won the ultimate victory, standing in the presence of his Savior, whom he trusted faithfully throughout his life.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.”
Hebrews 12:1–2
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at St. James School in Montgomery, AL with a visitation to immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Jimmy Perry Memorial Fund, which is being established to honor Coach Perry’s lifelong commitment to faith, leadership, and the next generation. Additional details regarding the fund will be shared soon.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7
A coach. A mentor. A husband. A brother. A father. A grandfather.
A man of faith, integrity, and enduring legacy.