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BORN
1937
DIED
2022
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James Berkeland Obituary
November 26, 1937 - May 1, 2022
San Jose
James "Jim" Berkeland passed away on May 1, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Corpus Christi Texas to Ray and Lola Berkeland, he was preceded in death by three sisters (Betty Griffiths, Lola Mertens, and Alice Edson), and is survived by two more (Virgie Buschmann and Golden Lucille). Jim left Texas in 1955 when he joined the Navy, and while stationed at Moffett Field California he met the love of his life, Sylvia (née Merlino). The two were married in 1958, and had 4 children: Michael (Lisa), Mark (Kelley), Robert (Janine), and Michelle (Steve). Jim also has 12 grandchildren whom he loved dearly, as well as (so far) 5 great grandchildren.
Jim always took an active role in his children's (and grandchildren's) lives, participating in sports, scouting, Indian Guides, school functions, band boosters, and countless other activities and hobbies. He loved the outdoors, and was an avid hunter and fisherman; his favorite times were always those spent with family and friends camping, hunting, and traveling.
Jim had a wonderful sense of humor, was always quick with a joke, and made friends easily. Once you were a friend of Jim's, you were a friend for life; many of those mourning his passing have been close friends for over half a century. He was also a conscientious and hard worker. He started his career at Jennings Radio Manufacturing Company in San Jose by sweeping the floor of the machine shop, and ended up as President of the company when it had grown into ITT Jennings, earning an Engineering degree along the way. Jim even helped design and manufacture a component used in the Lunar Module for the Apollo 11 Moon Landing.
Jim's ashes will be inurned at Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California. A Celebration of his Life will be held on June 12th at the Italian-American Heritage Foundation in San Jose. In lieu of flowers, his family asks to please consider a donation to Ducks Unlimited, or the charity of your choice.
View the online memorial for James Elenious Berkeland
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Memories and Condolences
for James Berkeland
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
2 Entries
Jack Ferrante
June 6, 2022
My prayers and deepest condolences go out to the Berkeland family. Mr. Berkeland and his family were a huge blessing to me throughout my teenage years.
Karen Smithley Estes
June 5, 2022
My condolences to all Uncle Jim´s family and friends. We will all miss him very much. He not only had a lot of love and good sense of humor, he was always so wise.
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Memorial Events
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Funeral services provided by:
Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125
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