James Anthony Perez, 62, passed away unexpectedly at home in Chicago’s Lake View neighborhood on Aug. 1.
Born in Miami, James attended Southwest Miami Senior High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami. James served at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) for 41 years. He was the Assistant Director/Chicago Field Office Manager for over 20 years and concurrently led both the Chicago and Huntsville, Alabama offices.
James joined the GAO immediately out of college in January 1985. He spent 20 years working in the Information Management & Technology Division; the European Office in Frankfurt; Health, Education and Human Services; and in the Chief Administrative Office.
In 2005, James became field office manager/assistant director for field operations in the Chicago field office. He assisted with Field Operations Awards; communications; field operations policies; ISTS Liaison work; and the Suggestion Program.
On Feb. 19, 2005, James relocated from Washington, D.C. to Chicago, and on Feb. 21, 2005, he met the love of his life, Ken. Nine years to the day after they first met, they were married in Dubuque, Iowa on Feb. 21, 2014—a date made even more poignant as federal courts granted marriage equality in Cook County that exact same day. The ruling was handed down at the same moment they were receiving their marriage license.
Later that year, on Flag Day, June 14, 2014, they celebrated a church renewal of vows at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church surrounded by family and friends. The celebration beautifully honored both Ken’s Norwegian and James’ Cuban heritage with a red, white and blue theme, echoing the flags of their parents’ native homelands with the American flag.
Outside of his professional life, James was a passionate sports enthusiast, avid traveler and devoted family man. A lifelong fan of American football, he closely followed both collegiate (especially the Hurricanes) and NFL teams.
His love of sports extended to live games across the Midwest and beyond. He frequently took in Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks games alongside Ken; caught Chicago Cubs versus Miami Marlins matchups; or joined his cousins for Miami Heat games. But James’s favorite sideline was cheering on his nephew and nieces at their sporting events, faithfully supporting them from grammar school days through their collegiate careers.
Together with Ken, James shared a deep love for travel. Their journeys took them primarily around the Midwest, with cherished getaways including Saugatuck and Douglas, Michigan; Lake Geneva and Door County; and Galena, alongside annual trips to Miami to visit family.
A dedicated patron of live theatre, James loved joining Ken for “date nights” at the Goodman Theatre—where Ken has held a subscription since 1989—always treating themselves to dinner before taking in a show. They also regularly attended Broadway in Chicago productions, including recent favorites like Hamilton, Wicked, MJ, Tina, and The Who’s Tommy.
At home in Chicago, James delighted in neighborhood life, frequently attending summer street festivals throughout Lake View and Roscoe Village. He had a deep appreciation for live music, always making time to support their dear friend, jazz vocalist Elaine Dame, who famously sang at their wedding reception. James also possessed a unique passion for collecting bicycles, building an extensive and treasured collection at home.
James possessed a rare gift for connection, holding his friendships close to his heart and nurturing them as life’s true priorities. A genuinely warm, caring, generous, and compassionate soul, once James welcomed you into his life, you were a friend forever.
He is survived by his beloved husband of 21 years, Kenneth Jon Duckmann; his mother, Marta Perez; his sister, Mary Perez (Patricia Campana); and his aunts, Berta Miranda and Sylvia Miranda.
He always considered his first cousins—Jorge Soler (Lisa); Luis Soler (Marlen); and Juan Ramon (Glorimar)—as his true siblings. James held a deeply special bond with them and their families throughout his life. He shared an equally profound closeness with his first cousin Marco Miranda, and his wife, Vanessa, whose presence and warmth meant the world to him.
James is also fondly remembered by his spouse’s siblings, Vernon Duckmann (Anna) and Kristen Duckmann Drago; his nephew and nieces, Anthony Drago, Emily Drago Woolford (Ethan), Johanna Duckmann, Lili Duckmann, and Ella Duckmann; and first cousins Alvaro Miranda (Robert Alvarez-Perez), Zaymee Miranda and Alina Herrera (Aris).
James’ surviving family also includes his second cousins, Justin Soler (Amanda), Juliet Soler, Skylar and Kaya Miranda, Emilio and Marisa Arellano and Adriana and Ana Herrera. He was also the faithful companion of their beloved dog, Brikke.
The family has chosen a private cremation. A memorial service will be held at on Saturday, Aug. 22, 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1218 W. Addison St., with a luncheon to follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Night Ministry or Nourishing Hope (formerly the Lakeview Pantry). For nearly 20 years, James and Ken routinely supported these charitable organizations by leading volunteer teams and making and serving meals to unhoused individuals across Chicago’s North Side.
As we reflect on James’ life, may we remember not only his legacy of public service, but the example he set through kindness, professionalism and genuine care for others. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the friendships he formed and the lasting impact he made on his work agency and in service to the American people. Please keep his family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts during this difficult time.
Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305.