James Walter BERRY

1945 - 2020

May 30, 1945 - December 14, 2020 James (Jim) Walter Berry, a trailblazer in the Canadian wine industry and a former national soccer player, died December 14, 2020, after a five-year battle with Parkinson's and heart disease. He was 75. Affectionately known as "The Bear," a play on his surname and his larger-than-life personality, Jim died peacefully with his devoted wife, best friend, and caregiver, Sandra (Sandie) Savelli, by his side at Maple Grove Care Community in Brampton. Born the only child of Phyllis and Walter Berry in Vancouver, B.C., on May 30, 1945, Jim established himself early as an exceptional scholar and athlete, excelling at soccer and baseball. He graduated with a business degree from the University of British Columbia, where he captained the UBC Thunderbirds soccer team. Known as a scrappy, two-way fullback who could score as well as he could defend, Jim travelled the world as a member of Canada's Pan-Am and Olympic squads before being drafted first overall by the Detroit Cougars of the nascent North American Soccer League in 1968. Canada's wine industry was a fledgling enterprise in the 1960s, when Jim became UBC's campus representative for Andres Wines, (now Peller Estates Winery) based out of Port Moody, B.C. He quickly earned a reputation as a visionary, a creative marketer, and fearless brand-builder, and was transferred to head up sales in the winery's Ontario market in the early 1970s. In Ontario, Jim was credited by many with elevating the province's wines to a new level and introducing Canadian wines to the world stage as he advanced through a series of high-profile positions with other wineries, including Colio Wines, T.G. Bright & Co. Ltd. (Vincor), and Kittling Ridge. He was instrumental in the creation of the Vinters Quality Alliance (VQA), the regulatory agency responsible for maintaining the integrity of wine-making standards and labels. Along the way, Jim mentored a new generation of industry leaders. For Jim, a boundless optimist, the wine glass was always half-full. The Bear had an irrepressible charm and charisma that drew people into his orbit. As his health declined, he rarely complained, and went about his life journey with courage and grace. Jim leaves behind his beloved children, Ryan Berry and Brody Berry, of Toronto, and three grandchildren. He will be lovingly remembered as a proud and supportive stepfather to Sandie's children, David Andreatta (Wendy) and Kristina Andreatta Osburn (Nick), and four grandchildren. Jim will be sadly missed by his in-laws, Larry and Margaret Savelli and Darlene Choma, all of Hamilton, with whom he shared many great meals, and lots of fun and laughter. We will celebrate his life well lived at a gathering in the spring (or when COVID restrictions allow) and, as per his wishes, raise a glass of wine to remember The Bear. In memory of Jim, donations may be made to Heart House Hospice of Missiauga www.hearthousegiving.com or (905) 712-8119 Write to jameswalterberry@gmail.com to leave condolences and/or receive info on Jim's celebration.