James Berg

1943 - 2024

WAPAKONETA -- James Frederick "Jim" Berg, 80, of Wapakoneta passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 20, 2024 in Columbus.

He was born on August 25, 1943 in Lima, Ohio to Egon and Dorothy (Knierim) Berg Jr., who preceded him in death. On December 18, 1965 he married Raye Carol Bauer. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter and cherished memories.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Carol, and their sons Monte Berg and Matthew (Jennifer) Berg. He was a loving grandfather to his triplet grandchildren, Brant, James and Maren Berg, all of Upper Arlington, Ohio. Jim is also survived by his sister Judith A. (Berg) Mason; brother, John E. Berg; sister-in-law Judith Truitt Berg and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by brother, William C. "Bill" Berg and brother-in-law, Jerry Mason.

Jim was a 1961 graduate of Wapakoneta High School and a 1965 graduate of The Ohio State University, where he continued graduate school, earning his Masters and Doctorate. It was during his university years that Jim met Carol at an Alpha Gamma Rho hosted dinner, an encounter that marked the beginning of a beautiful partnership spanning nearly six decades.

A man of formidable business acumen, Jim co-ran Berg Commodities and The Berg Farm alongside his son and business partner, Monte. Jim worked on behalf of Ohio farmers to develop new markets and promote trade, through the Ohio Corn Marketing Program and U.S. Grains Council.

Jim's greatest joy was found in his family. He was an active and loving husband, father and grandfather, enthusiastically supporting his grandchildren in their pursuits. Jim could often be found cheering on Brant, James and Maren at baseball games, swim meets and water polo matches. He was always the proud grandfather.

Jim was a member of St. Paul UCC in Wapakoneta, where his faith and community involvement were central to his life. His kindness, wisdom and unwavering love for his family and friends will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Jim's legacy of love, integrity and dedication will live on in the hearts of those he touched. May he rest in peace, reunited with loved ones gone before him, and forever remembered as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 27, 2024 at St. Paul United Church of Christ with Pastor Anthony Brookhart officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. Family and friends may visit from 4-8 p.m. Friday at Schlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services and one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Wapakoneta Area Community Foundation or to The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State University in memory of James F. Berg.