James John "Jimmy" Berry

James Berry Obituary

Jim Berry "Jimmy" Battle Creek James John "Jimmy" Berry, age 60, of Battle Creek, died suddenly on Thursday, May 7, 2009. He was born on February 6, 1949 in Battle Creek Michigan to James A. and Marie A. (Westrick) Berry. After graduating from St. Phillip High School in 1967, he went to work for Grand Trunk Western Railroad, serving 37 years, before retiring in April of 2009. During this time Jim served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971. He married his love of 37 years, Nina M. Sylvester on August 5, 1981. Jim enjoyed playing softball for the Fuller Farms team and bowled on the "Bud Men" team, in the Grand Trunk League. His passion for the game had kept him involved with basketball for the past 50 years. Every Thursday he played pick-up games with friends. Jim and Nina ran the Be Smart Be Fast Pennfield Girls Travel Basketball League, 4th through 8th grade, for the past 9 years, while being involved with the league for 12 years. Jim was not only great at playing basketball, but also great at teaching the game to young girls in his spring and fall camps. The girls really loved learning from Jim. He enjoyed trailer camping in Saugatuck and vacationing at the beach in South Haven with family friends. Jim could always be found at his grill, cooking something delicious like cheesy Smokey Links or his famous ribs. Some of his favorite sayings were "BSBF," "Alright Already" and "One Day at a Time." Jim was always ready and willing to help a friend in need. People would say that he was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Marie and his brother, Richard Michael "Mike" Berry. Jim is survived by his wife, Nina; daughters, Melanie (Edward) Winegar and Mallorie Berry; father, James Berry; sister, Diane (Ron) Wagner; brothers-in-law, Rick (Linda), Michael and Carl Sylvester; nephews, Cory Wagner and Robert (Jennifer) Sylvester; niece, Stefanie Powers; stepgrandchildren, Jessica, Bret, and Ian Winegar; great-niece, Caitlin Sylvester; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. At the request of the family, they will receive friends Monday, May 11, 2009 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home in Battle Creek where a scripture service will be held at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Charles H. Fischer, 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at the St. Philip Catholic Church. Interment with military honors will follow at Hicks Cemetery. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Pennfield Middle School Girls Basketball Program in the name of Jim Berry. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com

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Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on May 10, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Berry

9 Entries

Diane Cummins

May 13, 2009

Diane, Nina, girls,
What a guy you were blessed with! Know that God loaned you angel "Jimmy" until his calling. Be grateful that he didn't suffer. May it lighten your heavy hearts knowing he is in a much more peaceful place than anyplace we know here. Know that those of us who remain sincerely extend our support and continued friendship. Many, many tears and hugs,

Lorna Waggoner

May 13, 2009

Sorry for your loss of a truly awesome and one-of-a-kind person. The angels in heaven are getting a serving of the best smokeys ever...

Patti (Magers) Hill

May 12, 2009

I am saddended to hear of Jims death. I remember him as such a nice guy. I went to school with him. My prayers are with his family.

Carrie Stevens

May 11, 2009

Nina,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and the girls are in my prayers. If there is anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jim Geller

May 11, 2009

I worked with Jim at the RR on and off thru the years, until I left in 1989. He was a good person, and was always fun to be around. He will be sorely missed.

Janet Clemens{Brown}

May 10, 2009

I was shocked to read this in the paper as Jim and I went to school together at St. Philip and that just seems like a short time ago.I have stopped by the house a few time and in talking with Jim one could see the PRIDE of what his family meant to him. In your time of grief just remember that he is just in a different place and always in your heart Jim loves his new home and can keep real busy in heaven GOD BLESS my prayers are with you

Warren & Nancy Walters

May 10, 2009

Dear Nina and family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Jim was a long time friend. We worked so well together on projects. Jim always had a smile on his face and a laugh in his heart. He was so kind and considerate. Every time he came to the house he was welcomed by our dog Sampson, who he always greeted warmly. He always had great advice and wonderful ideas. We will continuously feel his presence as his handiwork is all around our home. We are really going to miss him and no one could ever take his place. We will hold him in our thoughts and memories forever.
Love,
Warren and Nancy Walters

John West

May 10, 2009

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Linda & Doug Sackett

May 10, 2009

Although I was only 5, I remember when Jimmy was born! Many of my fondest childhood memories are of Jimmy coming over to our house with his family; all the Berry family reunions; cousins playing at the farm...they all make me smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this VERY difficult time.

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