James W. Berry

Jim passed away of natural causes at his home in Lake Michigan Beach, Mich. Jim was a kind and generous person with a great appetite for life. He will be missed by family and friends.

Jim was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Mich., the fourth of five children. Jim had an intellectually and socially rich childhood. With close friends he had many adventures around the city and the countryside. Jim developed a love for travel on family trips throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. He was a strong and creative student, influenced by his rebellious spirit, skepticism of authority and sense of justice (lifelong traits). Always an avid reader, Jim collected thousands of comic books and he always argued to stay for the second feature at the drive-in movies.

In his 20s, Jim personified the lyrics of his favorite musician Johnny Cash: "I've been everywhere man!" Jim lived in Ann Arbor, San Francisco, Kalamazoo, San Diego and Newark. He crisscrossed the U.S. and Western Europe by bicycle, hitchhiking, trains and buses. Always close with family, he joined Meg racing bicycles, Tom on wilderness expeditions, and lived near Chris and Joan. He was proud to work as a cook, waiter, in heavy construction and seasonal agriculture.

In his early 30s, Jim completed a degree in education at WMU. Jim was married to Alix Vander Els. For 20 years, in Michigan and Vermont, Jim put his heart and energy into teaching second and third grade. He had gifts for inspiring children to read, and engaging reluctant students in the excitement of learning. His classroom was a vibrant and fun place. Jim also worked on organic farms and drew on his love of beaches while supervising crews on Pensacola Beach in response to the Gulf Oil Spill.

Jim and Alix lived in West Rutland. He was a generous helper for his older neighbor Sophie and was always ready to lend a hand to friends and family. He took loving care of his mother, never leaving during her final months. He valued spending time with his nieces and nephews, and youth mentoring. He rode with the bicycle club and completed a hilly 100 miles in just five hours, and loved skating and Nordic skiing. He collected thousands of LP records and danced wherever there was live music.

Jim lived in Vermont and Michigan during the last decade. His passion for life remained strong while his health declined. He was often on the beach, was the first one up to dance, and was a constant patron of books and movies at the Coloma Public Library. In his final years, Jim was greatly assisted by his sister, Joan and he helped, and was helped by, friends in the Lake Michigan Beach community.