The Honorable James Jesse Perry, Sr.

James "Jim" Jesse Perry Sr, former Mayor of Hardwick, New Jersey, and most recently of Fort Meyers, Florida, passed away on August 18, 2023, he was 60. James was born on May 3, 1963 to George and Barbara Perry, and raised in East Rutherford. After marrying he moved to Hardwick, NJ to raise his family. Jim was a beloved father, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle. He was predeceased by his son, James Jesse Perry Jr., his sister Joan Donohoe, his brother, George E Perry, his nephew David Popek, his nephew and best friend Garry Sytsma, and his niece Amber Nicole Ciccarelli. Jim was a dedicated public servant who served as the Mayor and Committee member of Hardwick, NJ for many years. He was deeply committed to his community and held various positions within the Township, County, and State. His remarkable leadership skills led him to become the President of the New Jersey League of Municipalities, a highly esteemed position that he achieved after serving under several different titles. Jim was best known for his warm welcome to newcomers of his community and coined the term "Hardwickian," which is still used today to describe the welcoming nature of the town. He left a lasting impact wherever he went, and his memory will forever be cherished. In addition to Jim's public service, he was a passionate advocate for addressing addiction. Tragically, he experienced the loss of his son and niece due to the disease of addiction. This deeply personal experience drove him to prioritize resources, treatment, and education to combat addiction, ensuring that others would not suffer the same fate. Jim's dedication to his community and his unwavering commitment to helping others will always be remembered. He will be greatly missed by his surviving loved ones, his daughter Alyssa Perry, sister Patricia Rush and her husband Patrick, brother Franklin Perry and his wife Kathy, sister Barbara Popek and her husband Kurt Derner, sister-in-law Patricia Perry, his former wife and the mother of his children Wendy Pensa Perry, as well as many nieces and nephews. Jim was cremated in a private service in Fort Meyers, Florida. Contributions may be made in Jim's memory to LEAD (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) or a charitable organization of your choice, are appreciated.