Jess William Perkins was born June 16th, 1930, at the ranch home in a branch of Picture Canyon. Several years later, his brother, Jim Dean Perkins was born. Jess grew up during the hard times of the Dirty Thirties but had the canyon country at his back door for a playground. This made a wonderful place for a boy to grow up. He and his cousins, Frank and L.R. Millican, spent many days riding in the canyons, fishing the water holes, and doctoring calves.
Jess helped with milking cows from which the cream was taken and sold to help with the yearly income.
The 4th of July rodeo in Hallock's Park and the Old Settlers Picnic in August were the big events of the summer for the boys. They liked to rodeo and sometimes practiced on the neighbor's cows when Jess' dad, Nat, wasn't looking.
Jess attended school at Bear, Blue Mound, Lamar, and Springfield. After high school, he worked for the Brand Commission as a brand inspector. He was drafted into the Army in 1952 and served 2 years with a tour of duty in Korea. Upon returning home, Jess went into the ranching business with his father. Later, he married Shalah Mills, on September 23rd, 1956.
After Jess and Shalah were married, they purchased the home ranch from Jess' parents, Nat and Ruth Perkins in 1958. They then had two daughters- Natalie, born December 3rd, 1958, and Kelly, born April 25th, 1961. The ranch life and home have made a wonderful life for Jess and Shalah, and for Natalie and Kelly, who also loved their canyon home.
Jess passed away March 4th, 2023, in the very home he was born in. He was surrounded by his family, who all feel it's been a privilege to live in this county. We are so thankful to all our friends and neighbors.