James Perry Jr., age 81, was born on August 8, 1943, on the outskirts of Montgomery, Alabama. He was the 5th child of Rev. James and Georgia L. Perry. James passed away after a series of long illnesses on February 28, 2025. He was a 1962 Massillon, Ohio Washington High School graduate where he was an outstanding wrestler. Before that, James was the starting football running back at Jones Jr. High. James sacrificed his potential to play professional football to plow the family garden (which was equivalent to five football fields). His dad made him and his brother, Will, choose between football and staying home to work in the field. James' sacrifice gave his brother, Will H. Perry, the opportunity to go on to play professional football with the San Diego Chargers and the Cincinnati Bengals. That's brotherly love! After graduating high school, James joined the Air Force where, he met and married Mary Caskill. In 1966 they relocated to Maywood, Illinois; and from that union, two children, Chris and Monti Perry, were born. God didn't forget about James' sacrifice because he scored touchdowns in another profession. He received his barber license while working at Baker's Barber Shop and had most of the customers waiting for James to cut their hair into the latest style. He eventually started doing women's hair, perms and curls; and in 1970, he went on to obtain his cosmetology degree from Debbie's School of Beauty Culture in Chicago, Illinois. James was very ambitious and visionary. He decided to open his own hair salon called CHEZ PAREE'! The salon was so popular and successful that many times they would have to stay open all night long just to serve all the waiting customers. Models, flight attendants, entertainers and celebrities would fly in from all over the country just to get their hair done by James or the Chez Paree' operators. In 1979, his youngest brother, Wesley "Wide Receiver" Perry came to live with him, learn the trade and work in the industry. Chez Paree' became a successful and recognized brand all through the 1970's, 80's and early 90's. James' skills were so recognized and popular that when he entered hairstyle competitions, many of the opponents would start lobbying for second and third place because James Perry of Chez Paree' had first place all wrapped up! In 1996 James moved back to Massillon, OH and unfortunately began to take ill in his later years. He was a proud member of Peoples Baptist Church, Canton, OH and he loved when his great nephew, Marcus "11 Burger" Williams would bring him to church when he was able to attend, sometimes even in a wheelchair. James is preceded in death by his second wife, the late Lytha Mobley Perry and their son, Demond Perry; his late son, Kevin Stevens; his parents, Rev. James Perry Sr. and Georgia Lee Perry; sisters, Rose Perry, Mary L. Williams, Georgia Mae Williams; and brothers, John Perry and Will Perry. James is survived by his three loving sons, Travis A. Ray of Atlanta, Chris Perry and Monti Perry, both of Chicago, IL; brothers, Donald K. (Kathy) Perry of Columbus, OH, Curtis A. (Cynthia) Perry III of Canton, OH and Wesley P. (Michelle) Perry of Chicago, IL; a very special niece, Precynthia A. (Joe) Waters, who was his caregiver; along with a special great nephew, Marcus "11 Burger" Williams; and his personal aide, Vincent Arrington; 15 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws and friends.