Perry J. “Jim” West, Jr, born on March 14, 1947 to loving parents, Perry J. West Sr, and Eva Mae (Parker) West in St. Louis, MO. Jim passed away peacefully on October 31, 2026 surrounded by his children.
Jim, or Jimmie as he was called then, spent his childhood exploring the Mississippi river bottoms in South St Louis County, hunting morel mushrooms. In his teenage years, his love for music and playing the drums began. He joined a band with some friends and purchased his Slingerland drum set with Zildjian cymbals, that he still owns to this day.
During the time of the Vietnam War, Jim felt the call and duty to serve his country, so he enlisted in the United States Navy and was trained as an aircraft mechanic. While home on leave one day, he was introduced to the love of his life, Joanna Hanse. After a quick courtship and engagement, they were wed on December 27, 1969 at APC (13th and Gravois) in St. Louis, MO. Days after the wedding, they moved to Rota Spain where he was stationed, where they spent the first year of their marriage.
Jim always had a desire to laugh, joke, and have fun. While never a loud or outspoken person, he could be found in the middle of the party, smiling and making people laugh. During his last few years of life, even though his mind and body were failing, he was known to ask, “What are we doing next?”. He never wanted to be left out of the party. He always wanted to spend time with his family, even until the very end.
His duty to serve his community continued into his late thirties when he decided to attend EMT school. Ultimately, he obtained a part-time position at Rock Township Ambulance District, where he faithfully served the residents of his community for over 20 years. If you ever spent any time around him, you know he would talk about two things; his time in the Navy and being an EMT. Perry also dedicated his life to serving God and working in the church. All three were important parts of his life and a source of great pride.
Jim is survived by his two children, Lisa (Ernie) Lease of Anderson, IN and Andrew (Angela) West of Imperial, MO; grandchildren, Logan and Landan White, Liam and Ava West; and step-grandchildren, Tyler (Megan) and Katherine Lease.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his treasured wife Joanna.
Jim leaves behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, and stories that will continue to be shared by those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Rock Township Paramedic’s Community Outreach.
Services: A celebration of life in Indiana will be at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 5, 2026 at The Sanctuary of New Castle, 2208 Broad Street New Castle, IN 47362. Visitation at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, on Sunday, November 8, 4:00 to 7:00pm then to Apostolic Pentecostal Church, 901 Barracksview Road, on Monday, November 9 for visitation from 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00am. Interment Shepherd Hills Cemetery.
Jim- it was a pleasure to work with you. Rest in peace.
What a very kind man he was. I had the pleasure of working with him when I was at Rock Township Ambulance District. So very sorry to hear of his passing.
So sorry to here of his passing. I worked with Jim at Rock Township and I truly enjoyed his company. Great man he was to all of us youngsters. We made him laugh all the time at our antics. God Bless you Jim and heaven gained another great man.