James Henry Perkins Jr. "Uncle Moon"

James Henry Perkins Jr.-affectionately known as “Uncle Moon” -passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the age of 74. Born on November 28, 1950, he spent nearly his entire life in New Haven, Connecticut, where his creativity, humor, and boundless generosity left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

A proud United States Army veteran, James served two tours in Vietnam. He wore his service with honor and took deep pride in supporting fellow veterans and their families long after his active duty ended. The same devotion he showed to his country he extended to his family-forever making sure “everyone was taken care of.”

James was a phenomenal artist and painter. He created much of his work from home, filling his space with vibrant, meaningful art. His personality was just as colorful: outgoing, bubbly, a bit fancy, endlessly silly, and always ready with a joke. He adored animals, especially his beloved cat Flip-Flop, who rarely left his side.

Family was at the heart of everything James did. He is survived by his siblings: Betty Mabery, Zelma Perkins, Gail Morris (Bruce), Tancella Perkins, Deacon Tres Perkins, and Elder Trent Perkins (Stephanie); and by his stepbrother, John Bell, childhood friend Muriel and special friend Ms. Daisy. He was predeceased by his brothers Benjamin Perkins and Godfrey Perkins; his father, Bishop James Henry Perkins Sr.; his mother, Nellie Gray Perkins; his stepmother, Dr. Tanzella Perkins; his brother-in-law, Joe Mabery; and his nephew, Maurice A. Harris Sr. To his many nieces and nephews, James was more than an uncle-he was like a father, a mentor, and a friend. From day one he felt a calling to look after the family, and he fulfilled that role with unwavering love and generosity.

James “Uncle Moon” Perkins Jr. may be gone from our presence, but his laughter, his vibrant art, and his spirit of giving will live on-forever in our hearts.

James Henry Perkins Jr.-affectionately known as “Uncle Moon” -passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the age of 74. Born on November 28, 1950, he spent nearly his entire life in New Haven, Connecticut, where his creativity, humor, and boundless generosity left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

A proud United States Army veteran, James served two tours in Vietnam. He wore his service with honor and took deep pride in supporting fellow veterans and their families long after his active duty ended. The same devotion he showed to his country he extended to his family-forever making sure “everyone was taken care of.”

James was a phenomenal artist and painter. He created much of his work from home, filling his space with vibrant, meaningful art. His personality was just as colorful: outgoing, bubbly, a bit fancy, endlessly silly, and always ready with a joke. He adored animals, especially his beloved cat Flip-Flop, who rarely left his side.

Family was at the heart of everything James did. He is survived by his siblings: Betty Mabery, Zelma Perkins, Gail Morris (Bruce), Tancella Perkins, Deacon Tres Perkins, and Elder Trent Perkins (Stephanie); and by his stepbrother, John Bell, childhood friend Muriel and special friend Ms. Daisy. He was predeceased by his brothers Benjamin Perkins and Godfrey Perkins; his father, Bishop James Henry Perkins Sr.; his mother, Nellie Gray Perkins; his stepmother, Dr. Tanzella Perkins; his brother-in-law, Joe Mabery; and his nephew, Maurice A. Harris Sr. To his many nieces and nephews, James was more than an uncle-he was like a father, a mentor, and a friend. From day one he felt a calling to look after the family, and he fulfilled that role with unwavering love and generosity.

James “Uncle Moon” Perkins Jr. may be gone from our presence, but his laughter, his vibrant art, and his spirit of giving will live on-forever in our hearts.

A Celebration of James’ Life will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025 in Revival Church, 450 West Todd Street, Hamden, Connecticut, at 10:30am. Viewing in Church from 9:30am-10:30am. Burial will follow in The State Veterans’ Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut. Condolences may be expressed at www.colonialfunerals.com.