James G. Bergera

I have had the honor of growing up next door to the Bergera family. I always loved it when Jim would speak in his Donald Duck voice. Jim and Ella Ruth were a second set of parents to me.

Dear Bergera Family:

Jim Bergera was the principle of Maeser Elementary school when I student there. He was a
wonderful person.-Years later.- My daughter,Krista, was a good friend with his daughter.
He'll be missed.

Ken Molen

Just knowing Jim was a pleasure. His vision and integrity were seen on a daily basis. He could always see a way forward and accomplished whatever task was at hand. Jim was a consistent and positive voice for education in Utah. He will be missed.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Bergera Family,

My deepest condolences upon Jim's passing.

Jim was a wonderful, refreshing addition to the BYU-Provo College of Education. He was dedicated educator and a person of integrity. Jim was a good listener, had a sense of humor, and was willing to learn from and share information with others. He did not have a puffed up sense of self importance (thank goodness) that many ivy-tower types have.

Thank you Bergera Family for sharing...

Dear Bergera's,
Jim Bergera was the best neighbor a kid could have growing up. We love Jim, Ella Ruth and the whole family so much! I wish we could stay in touch better.
Curveball Pete was my favorite story as well. You are in our prayers!
Pete we would love to hear from you.

I lived kitty-corner from the Franklin Elementary school all my growing up years. I remember when Mr. Bergera started teaching there and the fine example he was to us all. I remember as a 10 yr. old he made me feel that my input was as valuable as his own. He helped my self esteem, my ability to make decisions, and my knowledge of what it takes to be a fair and kind leader. He is a special role model I will never forget. Thanks for sharing him with so many others!

Dear Family:
I remember Jim Bergera as a gentle, kind-hearted advocate for education and special education. While I was a State PTA officer, I was able to serve on numerous education committees with him. He cared deeply for Utah's children. He will be remembered as a true champion of all that's right with public education.
With love and respect,
Mary K. Hammond

Dear Bergera Family,

Gary, you no doubt won't remember me. I tended you while your parents worked in Hayward, Calif. One Sunday morning my husband came home from church to say Jim Bergera was in Priesthood! He and his brother were very surprised, as Jim had been a bit antagonistic earlier in life toward the church. Jim and your mother had even gone through the temple at that time, which was a bigger surprise. A friendship begin and we kept in touch for years, but the last 10 or so...

Dear Bergera Family:
Your Father was an exceptional man and one of the kindest I have had the privilege to work with and know. I worked with Jim all the years he was Director of the Partnership at BYU as his secretary and what a choice experience it was. The world will not be quite the same without Jim in it. He was loved and respected by so many. May the Lord bless you at this time and send you peace, comfort and love.