Jerome Perkins

Our Beloved Jerome Allen Perkins was born on December 30, 1955, to Doretha Mabery Perkins Payton and Clifton Badger in New Haven, Connecticut. He was raised in New Haven and educated in New Haven and Hamden public schools. He was a great athlete and excelled playing basketball. After high school, he was employed as a laborer at G&O Manufacturing company and a bus driver for New Haven Public Schools. Jerome was affectionately known as J.P. He maintained a close relationship with his children, grandchildren, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins through frequent visits and family gatherings. Jerome was a “foodie” and if there was food you better believe J.P. showed up. Upon his arrival, he would say “What You Cook?” Jerome also had a love for music. He enjoyed listening to Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, Al Green, Isley Brothers, Delfonics, and, Earth, Wind & Fire. Jerome was the manager and member of a Soulful Funkadelic band. They played at the Elks Club and other venues in the Greater New Haven area. Jerome had a true entrepreneurial spirit and would always say “You have to spend money to make money.” He founded his contracting business in the late 80’s and was the owner and operator of J.P. & Sons Construction Management LLC. He acquired many contracts through the State of Connecticut, Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) and New Haven Housing Authority. He specialized in sheet rocking and painting and was meticulous with his craftsmanship providing high-quality services. Jerome was an advocate, actively involved in his community. He attended city and town hall meetings advocating for equal opportunities for Black contractors striving for the betterment and empowerment of all Black people. He was adamant about enlightening others regarding the inequalities and inequities within our system. Jerome accomplished much in his lifetime. His mind was strong and his vision clear. Jerome was a strong believer in building generational wealth. He named his company JP & Sons because he wanted to build a business that would continue to prosper through his children. He employed his family and friends providing them opportunities to acquire carpentry and business skills. He also assisted them in acquiring homeowner grants and always offered his services to help purchase and remodel their homes. He took the time to inspire and motivate his loved ones to work hard, remain focus, reach higher and take advantage of opportunities in pursuit of their life goals. The legacy he leaves is the passion, dedication, wealth of knowledge, support, and encouragement he shared with all who crossed his path. He leaves to mourn; his fiance Mary Robinson, his sons Terrence Robinson, Marcus Robinson(Keta) Jerome Shahiem Robinson, Imar Robinson(Kelonda), Clifton Barrett, daughter Jayana Perkins, his sister Karen Perkins, and brother Grover Payton. He leaves eleven grandchildren, three great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He leaves a special friend and business partner, Alex Melton. He was preceded in death by his parents Doretha Mabery Payton and Clifton Badger, stepfather James Payton, sisters Susan Perkins and Barbara Payton Edwards, brothers William Earl Perkins and James Payton Jr. They will greet him with open arms as he enters Heaven's realm, and he, in turn, will meet them with his radiant smile.

Jerome Perkins

December 30, 1955 - January 24, 2022