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James Berry Obituary
J.Paul (or JP) was deeply loved by all who knew him. If he loved you, you knew it. He could talk for hours about his favorite shows, video games, and books, and loved if you shared in those interests with him.
He was preceded in death by his maternal great-grandparents, Melvin and Bernell Murray, his paternal grandparents, James and Bethel Berry, and his uncles, Joe and Michael Berry.
He is survived by his parent, James and Barbara Berry of Madison, MS, his sister, Jill (Alan) Swan of Madison, his aunt Patricia (Jeff) Oatsvall of Caruthersville, MO, his uncle Billy Berry of Caruthersville, MO, his beloved dog, Chorizo, and many family and friends that he loved deeply.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 10 at 11:00am at St. Matthew's United Methodist Church in Madison, MS. A private burial will take place at a later date in Carutherville, MO.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite children's hospital or animal shelter.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Joyce Titus
February 28, 2025
Remembering your smile. Rest in peace.
Saul Hinojosa
April 21, 2022
He was one of my favorite teachers to ever have in a class I'm very sorry for the loss of the parents of Mr. Berry. my condolences
Jen Lataczewski
March 27, 2022
JP was my body flow instructor and buddy at the Y. We became good friends in no time. He was always showing me pictures of Chorizo after class, and shared the excitement of having him even before the day he picked him up at the breeder´s place. JP was always passionate about the music in his classes. Every song was his favorite song. I have no words to describe the feeling of going to his classes and not seeing him. I´m heartbroken. JP, may your soul Rest In Peace.
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Mell Llanca
March 26, 2022
J.P was a bright star that came to shine in this world.
His passion for teaching touched the souls of our YMCA members.
He has my buddy when teaching Body Flow every in quarterly launch. I truly enjoyed working with him and getting to know him.
His professionalism was unparalleled.
At the Y, members and staff will miss him dearly.
Our thoughts and prayers go to the family and friends.
Melinda Everett
March 14, 2022
JP was my yoga instructor for 2-3 years. He was so sweet, kind, and helpful to me as an older person who wanted to do well in yoga. He made our classes fun as well as informative. Our entire class was sad when JP left for Houston. May the Lord comfort your family through this time of unbearable loss.
Johnny Taylor
March 10, 2022
Mr. Berry was a teacher who had a great passion for his Job. He was such a nice guy but wasn´t afraid to pop off if someone was disturbing his class lol. I will miss him and I learned so much from him.
Terri Yancy
March 10, 2022
Jim, words are so inadequate to express the sympathy that I have for you, your wife and daughter. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Michele Bacak
March 9, 2022
JP was my body flow instructor at the Katy Tx YMCA back before Covid. I so enjoyed him, his enthusiasm and strong spirit. He always lifted me up for my day...always made me feel so welcome! I wrote recommendations about how he was very good at what he did. I´m just shocked and saddened to hear he passed away - please know I carry him, and all his family on my heart and in my prayers.
Amanda Ingram
March 8, 2022
I am truly sorry for the family's loss. JPaul was a good buddy while we attended Southern Miss. I will always remember him and his spunky personality. He was such a one of a kind guy. There was none like him.
Dave Simms, an old battle buddy
March 8, 2022
Jim, so very sorry for your loss. Condolences to everyone in your family.
Jana Yarbro
March 8, 2022
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. Jim & Barb I´ll be thinking of you in the coming days
Necie, Jeff, Tara & Lydia Broome
March 7, 2022
Dear Barbara, Jim and Jill, we want you all to know how much we love your family and we´re here for y´all. Our love and prayers are with you daily.
Judy and Tom Watts
March 7, 2022
Jim, Barbara and Jill, Our sincere Condolences to the loss of you son and Brother. I know he was a wonderful teacher and young man. Your family are in our prayers for peace and comfort.
Sylvia Strickland Blackwell
March 7, 2022
Jim and Barbara, Jill and Alan, I am so devastated to hear of J Pauls death. Seth called me when he heard. Seth thought so much about J Paul! He said he was a fantastic teacher and mentor. Much love to you all.
Joyce Titus
March 7, 2022
May God provide comfort as you navigate the unthinkable. My prayers are with you.
Wayne Miller
March 7, 2022
Jim , Barbara , and Jill I am so deeply sorry for your loss . J. Paul was a wonderful student . I remember going to his home and teaching him a trumpet lesson . He was such an appreciative student and so very kind . I have nothing but great things to say about J.Paul . I will be praying for the entire family .
Debbie Spilman
March 7, 2022
Deepest condolences for your loss.
Connie F (Treece) Fullhart
March 7, 2022
Jimmy, Barbara and Jill, I´m so very sorry for your loss. This is so sad to hear. I remember your mom, Bethel, talking about him and telling cute stories about him when he was a little boy, as all us grandparents do. My heart breaks for you all. You´re all in my prayers.
Julia V
March 7, 2022
Jim, my heart and my thoughts are with you. I wish you and your family comfort, courage and love at this time of sorrow. May your son rest in peace. Julia (YRCI)
Ruth Stewart Jones
March 7, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lean on your faith and friends. Love in Christ. Ruth
YRCI Family
March 7, 2022
Jim, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. May James rest in peace and our prayers are with him.
Susie Field/YRCI Family
Sharon Dosher
March 7, 2022
I had not met J P, but he was a good friend of my son, Nathan. Nathan really enjoyed his friendship with your son and brother, and shared a common love of movies, eating out and sense of humor. Nathan has a wonderful photo of J P and Chorizo taken a few weeks ago that is quite joyful! Our family is so sorry for your loss, and please know J P will be missed by many.
Brian
March 7, 2022
I've known J.Paul since we were in high school and we had many memories together throughout college and after. Our love of all things pop culture is something we shared and I'll miss not being able to text him a random SNL quote on a whim. He had a great sense of humor and he was loyal to the one's he cared for. My thoughts go out to his family during this difficult time. He will be missed.
Jerry Simpson
March 7, 2022
Our entire YRCI team (plus Curtis and Carol) and I are all sharing in your grief. Please know that you and your entire family have our sincere sympathy.
Andrew
March 6, 2022
J. Paul was an incredible person. He knew how to make you smile, always gave sound advice to those who would receive it, and cared a lot about the people he was close to.
There aren´t enough pages to fill all the good memories he is a part of.
My condolences to his family, he will truly be missed.
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