John “Jack” Perry
John H. (Jack) Perry
February 5, 2018
“Jack” was born August 31, 1930 in Jackson Tennessee, the son of Cecil C. Perry and Frances Eason Perry Leech. He passed away peacefully to his heavenly home on February 5, 2018. He will be missed tremendously by his wife of 60 years, Martha Perry (ne Boyles) of St. Louis, his son Alan Wilder Perry of Houston, TX, nephews John Perry of Ft. Walton Beach, FL and Brock Perry of Atlanta, GA, as well as numerous cousins and a great many dear friends.
He attended Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, Tennessee and went on to earn a BA from Vanderbilt University and a Masters in Adult Education from the University of Missouri, St. Louis. He served honorably in three branches of the military: the Tennessee National Guard, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Coming back to civilian life, Jack worked for several years in sales. He loved to travel and try great food wherever he went. He began catering in Nashville and upon moving to St. Louis some years later, he took advantage of an opportunity to turn his passion for food into his true vocation, serving as an adjunct instructor since his graduation from the Forest Park Hotel Restaurant Management program in 1985. He was the oldest member of his class and was honored to give the graduation address that year. He joined PFG Middendorf, where he served as consulting chef for many years.
He was a Forest Park Hospitality Studies Wall of Fame Honoree in 2010, an active member of the Chefs de Cuisine Association of St. Louis, serving on the board for 12 years, member of the board of the Missouri Restaurant Association, St. Louis Chapter, and the Friends of James Beard. He was a member of the American Culinary Federation and he served as a judge for numerous events.
An advocate for nutrition and sanitation, Jack was promoting healthy eating, the advantages of locally-produced fresh food and examining food labels long before any of that had entered the mainstream.
Jack will be remembered for his quick smile and his ability to brighten every place he went with his endless supply of great stories. Not only was he a sharp wit with a quick sense of humor; he was well-read and known to share his insight on a vast range of topics.
He had a great affection for young people; he mentored and cooked for his Tuesday Night Group of high schoolers every week until they graduated.
He loved the Lord, his church, his family and friends. He was one of a kind.
In lieu of flowers, his family encourages that donations be made in his name to the building fund of his church, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 1016 S. Elm Avenue, Webster Groves, MO 63119.
There will be a celebration of Jack’s life on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 10:30AM at St. Lucas Lutheran Church, 7100 Morganford Road in St. Louis.
I’ll miss you, Jack. Friend, mentor and inspiration. You showed me there was more to life than Spaghetti-Os and set me on a life of cuisine and cooking. You were always a step ahead and taught me how to frame and execute an argument. You taught me to think outside the box, but to never forget where the box is. You taught me to be smart and quick with a come back, and that humor and optimism are necessary but that cynicism has its place, too.
Guess we’ll never have the chance to rule that island kingdom together, but I’ll never forget all the times and talks we had. Love You, Uncle Jack.
Our dear Jack, we will forever cherish the many wonderful times spent with you. The laughs, being mesmerized by your countless stories of days gone by. You taught us so much over the years and our shared love of liver and onions! Nobody could make it like you did! I’ll forever treasure my cookbook from you.
There will never be another Jack in our lives so how fortunate were we to get to share ours with you. What a privilege. We love you, Jack.
Martha
Thanks for sharing your one of a kind true hospitalitarian .. with all of us
He helped us in so many ways and consistently ..made it fun
Jack’s teaching passion made you remember and made you remember why.
You and Alan were naturally woven into our many conversations and he loved and respected you both.
We love you Jack ..
Paul Thomas Witwer
Tony and I send our deepest condolences. Jack was a great man. Rest In Peace, Chef!
I didn’t know you nearly as well as your wonderful “foodie” friends and colleagues, but the times we did chat, I always enjoyed your quirky sense of humor and interesting stories of faraway lands. I was also very impressed with your dedication to education and your students.
I’ll miss you!
Craig Mueller
Professor of Hospitality and Tourism
Chef
You were my first teacher at Forest Park. I truly learned so much from you. Your attitude about chefs and the hospitality industry is something I carry with me everyday! You will be missed.
Jackalope, Debbie and I were very blessed to have you and Martha as our next door neighbors. We enjoyed listening to “oldies” music with you and sharing an occasional bottle of wine. Our conversations with Jack were always intriguing because he liked to share his life experiences, knowledge of food, sense of humor, and faith in the Lord. He had a talent for making people smile. Jack, we love you and miss you already.
Bob & Debbie Shaw
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss Martha. I will never forget our group train trip to Hermann when Jack made each of us breakfast for the ride! He was truly one of a kind.
Chris and will miss you terribly.
Martha we were so sad to hear the news of Jack’s passing. We are sending you and your family much love and prayers.
Chris learned so much from Jack.
Much Love,
Deb and Chris Sullivan
Martha, I am very sorry for your loss.
I will never forget the great times we had at the Lenexa BBQ’s, and the fun and entertainment Jack always provided , whenever we were with him.
There is no question that Jack was truly ‘one of a kind’.
Jack, although we knew you for just a short time, we came to love you and Martha and looked forward to seeing you at events.
You’re both such a friendly inviting couple you just can’t help but want to emulate your lifestyle and your zest for life.
Jack always offered a smile, a hug and handshake. You will be missed dear friend.
I won’t soon forget that laugh and the knowledge that he had. I gave him a lot of trouble only because I loved him. He taught me more than he ever knew. He will be missed.
I love you dad.
Martha,
I’ll always remember the Local Sports gatherings at your home and all the wonderful food and conversation Jack shared. He was one of a kind and made an impact on all he met.
I’ll add you to my prayer list and I’m sorry for this late reach out (but I didn’t know). Hugs.
Perry family I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I had known when this happened. Martha my deepest sympathies. I loved talking to Jack he was an amazing person.
Jennie
I met J and M in Nashville in 1976 at St Bartholomew’s. I was doing “graduate” work at Wendy’s. J was applying his live of food and its preparation in the local chef club. He paid his dues at Waffle House and later on river tugs 30 on 30 off. Years later I was on St Louis on biz while J added value with a meat supplier. Along with M we followed him thru the back gate at the big PGA event & saw the backstage of golf! Their kitchen with the huge butcher’s block was always the best party in town. I remember a plaque that hung there “A gourmand is a glutton with brains.” Pick up!