Jim Perkins, entrepreneur, writer, sportsman, conservationist and patriot, died April 16, 2019. He was 85.
Born in Littleton, NH, a hardscrabble town near the Canadian border, he was the son of Nick and Lucia Perkins, who emigrated from Greek Macedonia. His parents built a life in Littleton opening a popular restaurant, The White Mountain Café, where Jim learned to wash dishes, bake pies and make friends. The family later opened the Perkins Motel, the first Florida style resort motel in the state.
Jim grew up hiking, hunting, fishing and skiing, fostering a lifelong love of the mountains and respect for the environment. The beneficiary of his parents’ reverence for education, Jim graduated from Williston Academy and Dartmouth College.
While at Dartmouth he was mentored by Corey Ford, a prolific humor and nature writer. While still in college, Jim was published in The Saturday Evening Post and Field and Stream and co-wrote a screenplay for John Wayne’s independent film company, Batjac Productions.
Jim described his rich and varied career as “moving words and pictures in various ways.” His early achievements included executive positions with Curtis Publishing, Doubleday & Co., Playboy Press and The Times Mirror Company, where he initiated successful book projects such as the Outdoor Bible Series and the Audubon Nature Encyclopedia, which sold millions of copies.
Following his corporate publishing career Jim started his own marketing agency. He went on to originate The Home Shopping Show, a half-hour program delivered by satellite on which national advertisers such as Revlon, Pillsbury and Chevrolet demonstrated their products. Advertising Age called Jim a “new media visionary and one of the original cable idea men.” He joined with the Hearst Corporation and ABC Television to head a venture specializing in cable programming and is credited with creating the original Lifetime and ARTS networks. Next, he followed the developing technology, creating communication projects for a joint venture between Citibank, Nynex and RCA called CNR Partners.
Conservation was a continuing thread in Jim’s life. As an Air Force lieutenant he worked in the Office of Public Information. He became a captain and as one of the most junior officers in the Pentagon, Jim developed a program to designate Air Force bases as conservation areas. His concept was accepted and it is credited with protecting some 30 million acres and hundreds of endangered species of plants and animals on military bases around the world. For this big idea Jim received The U.S. Commendation Medal, the nation’s second highest peacetime award. More recently he was honored again by the Department of Defense for “One Good Idea.”
After moving to Litchfield County, Connecticut, Jim became a trustee of the Sunny Valley Association, protecting 2,500 acres. He originated and chaired The New Milford Inland Wetlands Commission and was president of The Housatonic Valley Association. He received an official citation from the Connecticut General Assembly for helping to protect thousands of acres in Kent from projected casino development.
An avid athlete, Jim loved cruising on his trawler The Chimera, and was still skiing in his 80s in Colorado and Montana. He also loved golf, heading up the Northwest Seniors League, and was a 28-year member of The Lake Waramaug Country Club.
Fearless, intelligent, hardworking, stylish, curious, generous and fun, he was known as “a guy who makes things happen.” Beloved husband, father, brother and patriarch, Jim is survived by Judy, his wife of 40 years, and daughters Susan (an MBA, CFA, attorney and skydiver), Karen (a PhD in molecular biology, educator and triathlon competitor) and Elizabeth (a stage, film and television actor). His survivors also include his sister Pamela Perkins; brothers-in-law Bruce Berger and James Holb; sons-in-law Julio Macat and Jon Stark; his aunt Catherine Tegu; eight grandchildren; and many talented cousins, nieces and nephews, all of whom Jim loved and respected as individuals. He was preceded in death by his sister Nitsa Perkins Bailey.
Jim’s autobiography By Way of Luck – How Chance Shaped a Storied Life, chronicles his ever evolving adventures.
Services will be held June 8, 2019 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Kent, where Jim was a member of The Vestry. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Kent Memorial Library, The Kent Volunteer Fire Department or the Kent Land Trust.
Those who cannot attend may wish to send a note with a memory of Jim to judyperkins77@gmail.com.
Tag Archives: Williston Academy
Glenn F. Swanson ’64
Glenn Frank “Swanee” Swanson passed away on April 26, 2019 at his home in Easthampton, MA at the age of 73. He had just finished chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer and the cause of death was sudden and unexpected, but he did not suffer and his family is thankful for that. He will be remembered as a dedicated teacher, loving father, and supportive friend. Swanee was born in 1946 in Brockton, MA to Frank and Maida (Grinnell) Swanson. He graduated from the Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, MA, where he served as both proctor and captain of the soccer team and also played basketball and baseball. He attended Haverford College, graduating in 1968 with a degree in history, after which he returned to Williston as a teacher of history, and philosophy. He also earned a Masters in history from UMass Amherst. During his 46 years at Williston, he also coached many sports, and served as the Dean of Students for 17 years.
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Richard O. Banyard ’62
Richard Otis Banyard, 74 of Wesley Chapel, FL passed away April 14, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. Rick spent his childhood in Bermuda. He graduated from Williston Academy in MA. He received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Lafayette College in Easton, PA in 1967 and later earned his MS in Management Science from Fairleigh Dickinson College in NJ. He was employed by the Department of Defense at Fort Monmouth, NJ for 35 years in the CECOM Division. Rick enjoyed woodworking, playing the guitar, and listening to music, but most of all he loved cruising on his own boat up and down the east coast with his wife. He is preceded in death by parents: Captain Leslie (of the Queen of Bermuda) and Jane Banyard and brother Frederick Parker Banyard. Rick is survived by his wife of 50 years Sharon; daughter: Kimberly Knapp and husband Steve; son: Charles Banyard and spouse Cynthia; grandchildren: Tristan Spicer, Caelie Spicer, Kieran Spicer, Alexander Knapp and Austin Knapp.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa at https://give.moffitt.org “Take it easy Ferndock”.
William Lee Warner ’65
William Lee Warner, 72, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 21st, 2019, after a 17 month illness. He is survived by his adoring wife of 26 years, Anita, and loving nieces, Chloe Warner, Jennifer Jarden, and her daughters, Charlotte and Angelina. Born January 20th, 1947 to William and Dori Warner of Manhattan, Lee was the ultimate New Yorker. After attending St. Hilda’s and St. Hugh’s, and The Williston Northampton School, he received a BA from Columbia College and an MBA from NYU Stern. Lee was a Managing Director at J.P. Morgan Investment Management and then at Global Investment Advisors. Following a successful career in Money Management, he and Anita fulfilled their dream of sharing their time between Manhattan and Antibes, France. Celebration Service will be held at St. Bartholomew’s Chapel, 325 Park Ave., New York, on April 30th at 3:30 pm. Donations in Lee’s memory may be made to the Rhodes Center for Glioblastoma, New York Presbyterian, Office of Development, 850 Third Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10022.
Richard B. Brady ’58
Richard B. Brady, 79, beloved husband of Irene T. Brady, passed away due to complications of lung cancer on March 18, 2019. Dick was the son of John F. and Gertrude (Clifford) Brady, and was born on August 15, 1939 in Hartford, Connecticut. A life-long resident of West Hartford, he was a man of strong faith in God and known for his humor. He loved golfing, fishing and boating and summers at Old Lyme Shores. A humble man and wonderful storyteller, he loved to ignite the imagination of others, including young children with his story of the “green hand.” Dick is survived by: his wife of 54 years, Irene; his sister, Gillian Hollister and her husband, Bob; his Four Bouys (the fond name of his boat): Christopher, Patrick, Peter and Kevin, and their spouses and significant others; and his four grandchildren he adored, Ryan, Caitlyn, Kathryn and Ayn, as well as many nieces and nephews. Dick was predeceased by his brother, Jack, and is survived by Jack’s wife Cathy. Friends may call at Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, on Sunday, March 24th from 2 pm until 5 pm. A Mass will be held on Monday, March 25th at 10 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 872 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT 06119, followed by burial at Fairview Cemetery, 200 Whitman Avenue, West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations In Memory of Richard B. Brady may be made to the Smilow Cancer Hospital at the St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center (www.saintfrancisdonor.com) or the American Cancer Society (cancer.org). Online expressions of sympathy at www.molloyfuneralhome.com.
And, as Dick would say, “See ya around the globe.”
Edward J. O’Brien ’46
Edward (Skitzie) O’Brien, 89, of Keene, NH passed away at the Cheshire Medical Center Saturday January 14, 2017 after a period of failing health. He was born Oct. 09, 1927 in Keene to parents Edward O’Brien and Ann (Chardon) O’Brien. He was a lifelong resident of Keene attending local schools graduating from Keene High in 1945. After graduation he served his country by joining the US Navy. Upon leaving the service he achieved his undergraduate and law degrees from Boston University. He returned to Keene upon graduation joining the law firm of Homer Bradley and Dick Fernald until establishing his own private practice. At one time he served as the Keene City Attorney becoming involved in creating and planning Keene’s first subdivision. In 1964 he became Cheshire County attorney, a position he held for almost 30 years. Initially it was a part time job he balanced along with his private practice. In the 1980’s the influx of court cases increased to a point where the position became full time and later expanded to include two full time assistants. Upon leaving the position of County Attorney he returned to private practice retiring at the age of 76. During his career he held many professional and city wide volunteer positions. In the 1960’s he served as a member of the Keene School board and was co-chairman for several years. He also took part in the School Planning Board during a period of time of increasing school enrollment. He was active in the local Lions Club and a member of the American Legion. He was an accomplished trumpet player and one of his greatest pleasures was playing in the American Legion Band and the taking part in the Lions Club annual performances. He enjoyed being around his fellow band members playing at concerts and performing in parades in Keene and other locations throughout the country. Golf was another favorite pastime of his and you could often see him on the course two or three times a week. Skiing was another. He and his late wife, Patricia, loved spending time at their Spofford lake house when not at their Keene residence. Ed enjoyed telling stories about growing up in Keene in the 30’s and 40’s and what life was like back then with the people he knew and the activities that they did. His ability to talk, help and get along with anybody was a great quality of his. To those that knew him he was a loving father and a compassionate friend. Ed is survived by his daughter Lauren Berube and husband Bob of Lewiston ME., son Matthew O’Brien and wife Gail of Keene, son Nathan and wife Lesley of West Chesterfield, a daughter in law Christina O’Brien of Keene, stepson Michael Bomba and wife Sarah of Hinsdale and stepdaughter Lisa Bomba of Hinsdale. He is also survived by his first wife and good friend Jane O’Brien, several grandchildren and great grandchildren, a niece Cheryl Soones and nephew Steven Oliver both of Summerland Key FL. He was predeceased by his wife Patricia, his son Mark and granddaughter Stephanie Little. Friends and family are invited to call on Friday January 20, 2017 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Foley Funeral Home located at 49 Court Street, Keene. A private graveside service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation with the following web address information https://www.kidney.org/support.
Barry M. Quinn ’65
Barry M. Quinn, 72, of Hampden, MA, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, March 2, 2019. Son of the late Dr. John and Caroline (Marchetti) Quinn, Barry was born in Springfield, grew up in East Longmeadow, and spent many memorable childhood summers on Lake Winnisquam in NH. He graduated from The Williston Northampton School and later went on to receive his Associate’s Degree from Holyoke Community College. Barry loved fishing, tying his own flies, and cooking both in the kitchen and outside on the BBQ. Recently, Barry started to learn to play guitar and composed much of his own music. He also spent time writing fly fishing stories for a local paper. And then there was his love of hockey. Barry played hockey most of his life. He spent years coaching many local youth teams. Coaching was one of his true talents, and he loved doing it. He also coached the Easthampton Softball team for many seasons. Above all, Barry loved spending time with his family. He was the center of all the wonderful vacations on Cape Cod with his great meals and the soothing sounds of his guitar. Barry will be dearly missed by all who knew him including his wife, Barbara Quinn; his sons Aaron Quinn and his wife Alyson of Rindge, NH and Kyle Quinn of Springfield, MA; his daughter Heather Mantell and her husband Brett of Exeter, NH; his brothers Johno Quinn of East Longmeadow, MA, and John Rahkonen and his wife Trudy of Monson, MA; his sisters Kathy Fukushima and her husband Dennis of Maui, HI, Diane Guzzo and her husband Jim of San Pedro, CA, and Susie Quinn of Maui, HI; his former wife Frannie Frank; and his grandchildren Shayna and Nora Quinn, and Reilly and Jake Mantell. Visiting Hours for Barry will be held Friday, March 8, 2019 from 10am-11:30am followed by a memorial service beginning at 11:30am. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Special Olympics of Greater Springfield, 512 Forest Street, Marlborough, MA 01752.
Melvin J. Tucker ’48
Melvin J. Tucker, of Amherst, NY, a professor emeritus at the University at Buffalo who specialized in English Tudor history, died Feb. 15, 2019 in Hospice Buffalo, Cheektowaga. He was 87.
Born March 3, 1931 in Easthampton, Mass., he was a 1948 graduate of Williston Academy in Easthampton, which he attended on scholarship. He also received scholarships to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 1953.
He completed a master’s degree in history from the University of Massachusetts in 1954, then served for two years as an Air Force lieutenant in Japan, taking courses at Sophia University in Tokyo.
He went on to receive his doctorate in history from Northwestern University in 1962, having studied with two masters in the field – Lacy Baldwin Smith at Northwestern and S.T. Bindoff, his mentor at Queens College, University of London, which he attended under a Fulbright scholarship in 1958-59.
While completing his doctorate, he taught European history at Colby College and humanities at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, then joined the UB faculty in 1963 as an assistant professor of English and European history. He became an associate professor in 1966, was director of graduate studies in the History Department from 1979 to 1985, and retired in 2005.
His landmark research into Tudor poet John Skelton, published in 1969, determined that 
Skelton’s most famous work, “The Garland of Laurel,” was written much earlier than previously thought – in the 1490s, not the 1520s – and as a result, the noblewomen mentioned in it had been incorrectly identified.
His first book, “The Life of Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey and Second Duke of Norfolk, 1443-1524,” published in 1964, was cited by author Richard Marius for the help it provided in writing his definitive biography of Sir Thomas More.
Dr. Tucker helped pioneer the study of childhood throughout history, teaching a popular seminar on the subject and contributing a chapter, “The Child as Beginning and End: 15th and 16th Century English Childhood,” in the 1974 book, “The History of Childhood.”
He also was an early practitioner of meditation and co-authored a book, “Centering: Your Guide to Inner Growth,” with Saunders G. Laurie in 1978.
He was the author of more than 100 book reviews, mostly for the library journal, Choice. Others appeared in the American Historical Review, Albion, Cithra, Journal of Modern History, Renaissance Quarterly and Speculum.
He received numerous academic honors, research grants and fellowships.
He was a contributing editor for History of Childhood Quarterly and The Journal of Psychohistory. He also was a council member for the Association for Bibliography of History.
His family noted that he had a passion for teaching. They said he let his students rewrite papers for better grades and was happy to discover that renowned economist and management expert Peter Drucker did so, too.
His wife of 59 years, the former N. Evelyn “Lynn” Rapalus, who worked in the Personnel Department at Buffalo Veterans Affairs Medical Center, died in 2012.
Survivors include two daughters, Ann Tucker-Jobson and Ellen Tucker-Cohen; a son, Michael; five grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22, in St. Christopher’s Catholic Church, 2660 Niagara Falls Blvd., Town of Tonawanda.
Malcolm E. Tumey ’52
Malcolm Edward “Bud” Tumey, of Bradenton, Florida passed away Tuesday December 4th, 2018 at the age of 84; he was born June 10, 1934 in Greenfield Massachusetts. Malcolm is a graduate of Williston Academy and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and his MBA from Western New England University. Malcolm served in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1962. He completed a tour of duty in France and provided exemplary service to his country during the Berlin Crisis of 1961. After his service, Malcolm returned to the Kollmorgen Corporation in Northampton, MA to develop periscopes and other optical equipment for the United States Navy. He left the corporate world in 1970 to pursue his vocation teaching Physics, Mathematics, Electronics, and Industrial Arts at Easthampton High School in Easthampton MA. Mal
colm was an enthusiastic amateur radio operator (callsign: W1VSX) and had a lifelong interest in radio and electronics. He is survived by his loving Wife Carol Ann Allaire Tumey, brother Lincoln E. Tumey ’53 (Mary Lee), children: David M. Tumey (Danielle) and Diana L. Tumey, grandchildren: Derek Lockhart (Megan), Chad Lockhart (Elizabeth), Jonathan Tumey, Jacob Tumey, Ian Tumey and Ellie He, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Edward & Annette Farwell Tumey.
Alan B. Slawsby ’58
Alan Slawsby, age 79, of Wellesley, MA, formerly of Nashua, NH, passed away on Thursday, February 14, 2019. He is survived by his wife Lauri, son Alex and his wife Eli, and three granddaughters, Ava, Bree and Cameron. He is also survived by his sisters, Sheila Kowal and her husband Blake Chambliss and Karen Stone and her husband James and his sister-in-law, Jane Rosser and her husband Ken Vitale and their families. Alan retired in 2016 after 34 years in residential property management. He is a graduate of Williston Academy and Cornell University, AB ’62. Alan was also a member of the Ancient York Masonic Lodge No. 89 of Nashua, NH for 56 years, as well as a 32nd degree 
Mason. Alan served as Treasurer and on the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Meadowbrook School of Weston in the 1980s. Funeral Services will be at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Road, Wellesley on Sunday, February 17 at 10:30 am. Interment to follow at Crawford Street Memorial Park, 776 Baker Street, West Roxbury. Donations in Alan’s memory may be made to the MGH Cancer Center c/o Dr. Inge Lennes, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02214.