(Lifelong Resident Of Swanton)
A lifelong resident of Swanton, Ohio, James (Jay) Benjamin Perrin III was born on Nov. 30, 1961, in Toledo to James and Mary Lou (Bushong) Perrin.
The oldest of two sons, he grew up alongside his brother, Bradley. Jay graduated from Swanton High School in 1980, where he excelled both athletically and artistically.
He played football, wrestled, and earned recognition for his natural talent in multiple areas. He later received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo College of Engineering, beginning a career defined by technical skill, creativity, and dedication.
On Sept. 5, 1987, Jay married his high school sweetheart, Betty (Brodbeck), at St. Richard Church in Swanton. Together, they created a loving family and raised two wonderful children, Alex and Andrea. Jay eventually converted to Catholicism and was a proud member of St. Richard Catholic Church.
For more than 30 years, Jay worked as a product design engineer with EPRAD in Perrysburg, Ohio. He played a key role in the company’s success and innovation, and he proudly held a patent for his engineering work.
Jay had a passion for technology and enjoyed building and repairing computers for friends and family. He was deeply involved in his children’s activities, including school sports, Cub Scouts, and little league baseball, where he served as a dedicated coach.
At home, he loved tending to his vegetable garden and spending time by the pool, especially when teaching his grandchildren to swim. Jay also found joy in hiking and treasured the annual high-desert hiking trip he shared with Betty, a tradition that became one of their favorite adventures together.
Jay is survived by his wife, Betty; his children, Alex (Katelyn Belknap) Perrin and Andrea (Joe Childers) Perrin; his mother, Mary Lou Perrin; his brother, Bradley (Debra) Perrin; his mother-in-law, Mary M. Brodbeck; and his cherished grandchildren: Gunnar Carr, Stella Perrin, Max Perrin, Averie James Childers, and Isla Childers. He will be remembered for his kindness, ingenuity, and the deep love he held for his family.
A special thank you to his favorite girl cousins, his many extended family members, and the neighbors who became like family. We cannot thank them enough for the love, support, and countless acts of kindness they showed Jay during his final years. Their care and compassion will never be forgotten.
Family and friends were invited to attend visitation on Monday, Feb. 23 from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton, where the Rosary was recited at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 11 a.m. at St. Richard Catholic Church, with Fr. Eric Culler presiding. Interment will be held at a later date at St. Richard’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ebeid Children’s Hospital, 2142 N. Cove Blvd., Toledo, OH 43606.
