Jack A. Perkins

Jack A. Perkins

Iowa City

Jack A. Perkins, 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 2, 2022, at Mercy Hospital, Iowa City, after a brief illness.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 11, 2022, at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City. Immediately following the service, lunch will be served at The Kirkwood Room at Governor’s Ridge, 515 Kirkwood Ave., Iowa City. Burial at Memory Gardens will follow the luncheon. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Briarwood Health Care Center, Iowa City, or First Presbyterian Church, Iowa City.

Jack was born on Jan. 7, 1929, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was raised in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Adelbert and Anna (Brown) Perkins. While attending East High School, he enjoyed playing the trumpet and playing sports such as golf, football and softball. Jack also began working at Barbara’s Bake Shop learning “the tricks of the trade.” After high school, he attended Grandview College, Des Moines, Iowa, for two years. During this time, he met Ruth Anderson. They were married in Nevada, Iowa, on Oct. 8, 1950. From 1951 to 1953 Jack served in the U.S. Army. Upon discharge, they moved to Iowa City where they owned and operated Barbara’s Bake Shop from 1953 to 1986.

Jack was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Iowa City, a past president of the Iowa Baker’s Association, a Rotary Club member and a member of the Elks Club BPOE. He had a positive outlook on life, was very sociable, and enjoyed making people smile or laugh. In his free time, his favorite activities were golfing, fishing, and flying the airplane he co-owned. An avid sports fan, his favorite teams were the Iowa Hawkeyes and St. Louis Cardinals. In his retirement, he especially enjoyed golfing, travelling, reading and learning new things. When asked, he said his life’s motto was, “Live your life with honesty and integrity and find something to laugh about every day.”

Survivors include his daughter, Cynthia Mills (Stephen) of Greeley, Colo.; grandsons, Brian (Anna) Mills and David Mills; and many extended family and friends. Jack was preceded in death by his parents: wife, Ruth in 2015: and brother Bill (and his wife Dorothy).

Jack’s family would like to offer their sincere appreciation to the staff at Briarwood Healthcare Center and Mercy Hospital for their compassionate care.

Online condolences may be made at www.lensingfuneral.com.