Roger Perkins, age 84, of Holland, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, December 19, 2024. He was born on August 27, 1940, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Cecil Perkins and Elizabeth White Perkins.
Roger is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon, three children, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren (known affectionately as “Grandpa Roger” and “Paw” and dearly loved by all). Daughter Kamal Perkins (Rick) and granddaughters Heather Bridge (Geo), Erica Bridge, Emily Bridge; Stepson Eric Moss (Nicole) and grandson William Moss; Stepson, Stephen Moss (Jeanette) and grandsons Everett and Grant. Roger was pre-deceased by his son, Eric Perkins, brother, Lowell Perkins, and parents Cecil and Elizabeth Perkins.
Roger graduated from John Wesley College in 1962 and later earned a master’s degree in pastoral counseling from Michigan State. His first job out of college was teaching sixth grade in Durand, Michigan. He then worked with Youth for Christ’s Lifeline program for 4 years, which was the start of YFC’s juvenile justice outreach, helping young people feel seen, heard and valued. Roger continued working with youth as Supervisor of the Juvenile Court in Ingham County, a season he looked back on with great satisfaction.
The next step in Roger’s work life took him to John Wesley College where he spent seven years honing his skills in development work. Following this he held several positions as the development officer in various locations across the country. This led him to establish a development consulting firm with his life-long friend, Chuck Roost. Their focus was on helping non-profit organizations with fund-raising strategies, capital campaigns and board development.
In 1995, after several painful losses, including the death of his son Eric, Roger reconnected with Sharon Moss, and they were married in 1996. In 1998, they moved from Montana to Holland, Michigan, where they have been living since. During this time Roger entered what he considered the most rewarding season of his life. He spent many hours soaking in the words and entering into the hearts of saints who lived and wrote in the past and present. The question paramount in Roger’s mind was, “how does God change lives?” which he approached with great intentionality for his own life.
Roger’s own journey inspired him to develop what he called the 4 Habits of a Healthy Heart: core spiritual disciplines for followers of Jesus. He became passionate about passing these on to men individually and in groups, in jails and prisons and in the community, creating safety for them to tell their stories and for them to share their pain and joy in a context where they could grow together. Over the past twenty-five years he has become the friend and mentor that men often long for and has helped many men experience God’s healing.
Roger’s deep, rich base voice is known by many in West Michigan and across the country. He mostly sang solos but also enjoyed singing in quartets and at one point considered music as a vocation. Over the years Roger enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, hunting (deer and upland birds), wood working, tinkering and boating. He was also a big sports fan and especially enjoyed following the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers.
Family and friends will remember Roger as a deeply empathetic person who delighted in connecting conversations and whose creativity and humor were woven into almost everything he said and did. At home there will be an empty brown leather chair in front of the fireplace where he spent most mornings reading, meditating, praying and writing. It is assumed he will have some great conversations with his Father in Heaven, seeking understanding of the mysteries that he loved to ponder.
Memorials in memory of Roger Perkins may be made to Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry at the Muskegon County Jail (980 Terrace St. Muskegon, MI 49440) or Christ Memorial Church (595 Graafschap Rd, Holland, MI 49423).
A Memorial Service in celebration of Roger’s life and faith will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 8, 2025, in the sanctuary of Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Rd. Holland, MI 49423. There will be visitation from 4:30 – 6:00 PM on Friday, March 7 at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 East 16th Street, Holland, MI 49423. There will be additional visitation beginning at 9:45 AM Saturday morning prior to the service at church.
Comments