Perry was a three-time All-Star and won the 1970 AL Cy Young Award, when he posted a record of 24–12. Jim and Gaylord Perry are the only brothers in Major League history to both win Cy Young Awards. He also won 20 games in 1969, and won at least 17 games five times. As a batter, Perry was a switch-hitter and posted a respectable .199 batting average with 5 home runs and 59 RBI in his career. On July 3, 1973, brothers Gaylord Perry (Indians) and Jim Perry (Tigers) pitched against each other for the only regular season game in their careers. Neither finished the game, but Gaylord was charged with the 5–4 loss. Two Norm Cashhome runs helped Detroit.
He was the opposing pitcher in three no-hitters, a feat not matched until Zach Plesac, who did so in a single season in 2021.
Following his final year with Oakland, Perry retired to his North Carolina home where he keeps busy with charitable events, especially golf tournaments. His son, Chris, is a professional golfer who has won a tournament on the PGA Tour.
On November 11, 2012, Campbell University announced that their renovated baseball stadium would be renamed Jim Perry Stadium. Perry attended Campbell University from 1956 to 1959.[2]