James Douglas “Doug” Perkins, 78, of Salem, passed away May 4, 2026, after a short illness.
Doug was born Feb. 15, 1948, in Lynchburg. He grew up in Lynchburg and graduated from EC Glass High school in 1966. He was predeceased by his parents, Vivian and Mae Perkins.
Doug was a 1973 graduate of Virginia Tech and began his employment with the Virginia Department of Transportation. He retired from the Salem VDOT office in 2010.
Doug had two hobbies he was passionate about, caving and swimming.
Doug joined the VPI Cave Club as a student and continued to be an active alumni member throughout his life. Doug was inducted as a Fellow into the National Speleological Society; the national caving organization, in 2002. The friends Doug made over the years from the VPI Cave Club became Doug’s family. He met and caught up with them when attending different club events annually. He purchased property with a cave on it in 1993 so the VPI Cave Club would continue to have access to the cave and could use it to train new members.
Doug was also an avid swimmer and joined various pools over the years in order to swim year-round. After retirement, Doug became a volunteer at a local pool and was there daily to swim and help out as needed. A position he held until 2024.
A memorial service will be held in July at the cave site on Doug’s property.
Any memorial contributions should be sent to the VPI Cave Club, PO Box 558, Blacksburg, VA 24063-0558.
Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home.
