John Ray Perkins was born and raised in Opelousas, Louisiana. He is married to Yvonne Marie Lalonde . They have been married for 41 years and are blessed with two children, John Ray Perkins, III and Christopher Jude Perkins, one daughter-in-law, Alesha. They have two grandchildren, John Ray Perkins, IV and Cecilia Elizabeth Perkins.
John graduated from Opelousas High School. Following graduation, he attended USL earning a degree in Industrial Engineering. He worked for the Corps of Engineers for 8 years, Plant Engineer at Standard Fittings for 15 years, Maintenance Supervisor at St. Peter Church in Carencro for 16 years, and now semi-retired and is working here at Our Lady Queen of Angels. He has many interests, but he thinks his favorites are Blue Point Crabbing, Cooking, Wood Working, and Crocheting.