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Jim Berry Obituary
BERRY
Jim Berry, went to heaven February 24 2010, he passed peacefully at home following a brief unexpected illness. A service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 6 at the Rose Ballroom in John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks, NV.
Jim was born September 10, 1944, in Twin Falls, ID to Leo and Margorie Berry. After he graduated from high school he attended Barber college. He made his home in Sparks, NV in 1963. He was a hair stylist at the Establishment at his time of passing and was a member of Sparks Christian Fellowship.
Jim was an amazing presence in our community. Beyond his loves of fishing, hunting, camping and going out on his Rhino, he loved to lend a hand to those less fortunate. He and his wife founded the Santa Cause, a non-profit organization that provided meals and gifts to those in need. He said, "Everyone deserves a hot meal, and every child deserves a toy on Christmas."
Jim left life with no regrets. He was always somewhere between good and great. His best advice was "you just can't unscramble eggs."
Jim is survived by his wife, Linda (Hazel), his sons, Wade and Brent Berry and Jason Smith; his daughters, Traci Hawk and Stephanie Dossey; his sons-in-law George Hawk and Joshua Dossey; His daughters-in-law Casey Berry, Carrie Berry and Samantha Schmidt; his brothers Larry and Ike Berry; his sister Dee Tresley. He is also survived by his 11 greatest joys: Cody, Jesse, Cera, Cole, Hayden, Michael, JT, Georgie, Abbigael, Savannah and his faithful pooch, Gus. Not to be forgotten is his exten- sive chosen family: The close friends he has made throughout his life.
If you knew him for a moment or a lifetime, please join us as we celebrate his special soul. Casual comfy colorful attire required.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to "The Santa Cause" Bank of America acct. #004960564365, or St. Mary‘s Hospice or the Boys and Girls Club c/o Mike Wurm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jim Berry
COLE BERRY
March 22, 2010
GRAMPA I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU FOR EVER. I MISS GOING ON THE FLOAT WITH YOU AND I WILL MISS YOU BEING AT MY FOOTBALL GAMES. THE MOST THING THAT I WILL MISS IS GOING TO IHOP WITH YOU FOR BREAKFAST. DADDY SURE MISSES YOU AND SO DO WE. I NO YOU WILL STILL BE AT ALL MY FOOTBALL GAMES. I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH GRAMPA. YOU WILL BE IN MY HEART FOREVER. I ALSO MISS GOING HUNTING WITH YOU. THERE IS SO MUCH MORE LOVE YOU FOREVER.
Marrilee Minick
March 16, 2010
We will miss you Jim. You were such a kind man, you never met a stranger. The Saturday haircuts just won't be the same.
Shane and Marrilee
CERA BERRY
March 12, 2010
GRAMPA, I MISS YOUR HUGS AND KISSES. THANK YOU FOR TAKING ME PLACES LIKE THE MOVIES AND BEING THERE FOR ME. I AM VERY PROUD TO BE YOUR GRANDAUGHTER I WILL NEVER EVER FORGET YOU AS LONG AS I LIVE. I LOVE AND MISS YOU WITH ALL MY HEART. LOVE ALWAYS CERA
BRENT BERRY
March 11, 2010
DAD, SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES, FROM PIG N PITCH TO THE BOAT DRAGS TO HUNTING, FISHING AND ALL MY SPORTS. YOU TAUGHT ME SO MANY LIFE LESSONS! I WILL CARRY THAT ON WITH YOUR GRANDKIDS. THANKS FOR BEING MY DAD, WHAT A GREAT RIDE.
MISS YOU YOUR LOVING SON, "B.B"
Ike Berry
March 10, 2010
Brother, i miss you so much, remembering our childhood,and the great times we shared brings a smile to my face. You helped through the tough times in my life..I could not of picked a better brother..I LOVE YOU..
March 10, 2010
Dear Linda, I am sorry for your loss and ours. You had a wonderful life with Jim, fortunately lots of good memoriers. I will miss seeing him and his stories, when I went to the Establishment. Peace and God Bless. Terry Lorman Sparks, Nv.
Danelle Archuleta
March 9, 2010
Dear Linda:
My thoughts, prayers and love are with you.
Danelle Archuleta
March 8, 2010
Jim was the greatest friend anyone could ever have. He loved his family, friends and life deeply. He lived life the best it could be lived, surrounded by friends and family travel sport and leisure. What a great man Jim was. He was everywhere in everything and all over the place all the time. He had countless friends and such a great family. We feel totally blessed to have been included in his life and will miss him forever. Hazel and family we will always be there for you. Always. Love Todd and Rhonda.
Wade Berry
March 8, 2010
Dad...you were a great father and a true inspiration. I'm going to miss our talks and your infectious smile. I love you dad.
Dear Linda, Jason, Traci and Stephanie, thank you for the love and support you have shared with us, I'm proud to call us family!
Stan Aaronson
March 7, 2010
Jim was my little league baseball coach. I saw Jim regularly when I'd have my hair styled by his partner, Bob. Jim always had a smile for me and an optimistic, upbeat and jovial greeting for me. Rest in Peace, Jim Berry.
Shari Daniels
March 6, 2010
I will miss seeing Jim when I go to The Establishment. I always looked forward to his laughter and jokes. It was like an adventure to try to keep up with his pranks on the others too!
I feel blessed to have been part of his "Establishment Family" and will miss him terribly.
March 6, 2010
Dear Linda,
We are sorry we could not be there. He are sorry for your loss and want to let you know you are in our prayers and thoughts always...Michael and Dana
Scott Benson
March 5, 2010
So sorry for your loss Wade and Family.
God rest his soul.
Ken Longballa
March 5, 2010
Sorry to hear about such a great loss. Jim was an outstanding person! Going to miss him like crazy!
Cheryl Blair
March 5, 2010
My Sweet Hazel,
I was so sadden to read in the paper the passing of Jim. So many memories come to mind.
Years ago, you and Jim sent my son, Sam a Christmas card of Jim in his Santa Suit. Signed "Santa Claus". My son was SO impressed that Santa sent him a special card. Thereafter every Christmas,this card was placed on our fireplace! I alway smiled and remembered the reaction of my son recieving that card. I STILL have this card!
Jim will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. I for one feel honored to have had met him and share the "Pig n Pitch, BBQ's and gatherings over the years!
To you and your family, my prayers and love.
Cheryl
SHEILA LAMBERTI
March 5, 2010
Jim,these words are for your family,and many friends, Your heart was larger than life, your kindness is an under statment.. i will miss your smile, your slightly off color jokes, always kept things fun ,there is so much that I WILL MISS ABOUT YOU. Icould go on forever.God does take the good ones first .Now we need God to help us ,to go into, the Establishment.see his chair,and turn tears into smiles.and thank God I had this most wonderful man in my life for sooo many years.LOVE YOU ,MISS YOU,
SHEILA LAMBERTI
Monique Graham
March 4, 2010
Linda, My thoughts are with you during this time. Please let me know if you need anything.
March 4, 2010
Our deepest Sympathy goes out to all the Berry Family.
Frank & Carol Lepori
Linda Denniston
March 4, 2010
Funny, mischievous, devilish, hard headed, and committed. Jim was all those things. There are many who had nothing and were blessed by Jim and his 'cause'. One in particular was a young mother who had been beaten almost to death by her boyfriend. She and her young child were befriended by Jim and the Santa Cause. They had a wonderful Christmas that year, then a bike for the child's birthday. This young mom later met and married a nice man and the family moved away. I'm certain that, even though she didn't know his name, she will always be grateful to 'Santa' for his kindness. Jim, in turn, got great satisfaction from seeing something good come out of something so bad.
Jim will be missed by SO many people! There'll never be another like him. My heart goes out to Hazel, Jim's family, and his 'adopted' family at the Establishment.
Liz Motter
March 4, 2010
Jim, you always had a smile and/or a joke as we came by your station in the Establishment. Your kindness and wamth helped many of us through some tough times. Thank you for your gifts of love and life. They live on through your family and friends.
Always in our hearts.
Cathy
March 4, 2010
To The Berry Family--I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Jim's passing. What an incredible human being he was. I truly believe that he was a one of a kind. His life has touched so many others. He was always wanting to help and help in a big way. I don't think there are many on this earth with a heart like his.
I am very grateful that we got to spend a season of life together. My heart has a huge hole in it that can never be filled. I'm sure all that love him feel that way as well. I was most grateful to hear that Jim had been saved and is heaven. God always answers prayers.
For Jim's immediate family--I pray that you will be comforted and soon your sorrow and feelings of loss will be replaced with all those joyful memories that everyone has of this very special man.
Love,
Normal & Crystal Church
March 4, 2010
Jim, you will surely be missed our friend. The hole in our hearts will be filled with wonderful memories of the good times, weekends at the lake, Shasta, the Redwoods... Your light will shine on through our love! I suppose even Heaven needs heroes... Much love to your family.
Barbara Alt
March 4, 2010
On behalf of Arrow Electronics we extend our deepest sympathy in the loss of Jim (our Santa). Thank you for all the wonderful memories that you gave to our children. God Bless You.
Jimmie, Carole and Kids The Mott Family
March 4, 2010
Brent, Linda and all of Jim's family, May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Ruth E James
March 4, 2010
"I love your hair & who in the hell does it?" May 1980. That was the second question I asked Dauna Tucker Lacey & the beginning of my friendship with The Master Barber. I in turn was asked the same & was proud to tell them Jim Berry. I also followed him to his 3 different shops, with The Pig & Pitch & Rib Cook Offs in between. The laughter & friendship has always been a special treasure for me & continued after I left the area in 1995.It didn't matter how many times Jim played, "Whoops, I dropped my comb," I always laughed with him about it. May God be with Linda & his family at all times.
March 3, 2010
Jim was truly one of a kind. I met Jim back in 1976, when I first moved to Reno. He was my hairdresser and I even made trips back to Reno for my cuts during the 3 year period I lived in the midwest. He was always jovial and in a great mood! He could lift your spirits on the worst of days! Christmas in Sparks will not be the same without "Santa". Jim - tell my dad (the other ONLY Santa ever) "hi" there in heaven. VaDonna Rivera
JOEL-CARMEN AND FAMILY FERREYRA
March 3, 2010
JIM, WORDS CAN NOT EXPRESS HOW MUCH YOU WILL BE MISSED. THE ESTABISHMENT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITH OUT YOU! YOU BROUGHT SMILES, LAUGHTER, WARMTH AND LOVE TO ALL WHO CAME IN CONTACT WITH YOU. YOUR GENUINE SPIRIT RADADIATED FROM YOU. TO SAY YOU WILL BE MISSED DOESN'T EVEN COME CLOSE TO WHAT WE REALLY FEEL. MAY YOU FIND REST AND LOVE IN THE LORDS ARMS. HEAVEN HAS JUST RECEIVED ONE OF ITS BEST ANGELS! WE HAVE ONLY KNOWN YOU FOR 5 YRS BUT IT FEELS LIKE WE'VE KNOWN YOU A LIFE TIME. TO YOUR FAMILY AND CLOSE FRIENDS WE FEEL YOUR LOSS AND PAIN. RELY IN GOD TO HELP YOU DURING THESE VERY DIFFICLUT TIMES. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
Lena (Smith) Moss
March 3, 2010
Your laugh and your smile will always be with me. It has been years since I last saw you but you left your impression in my heart.
Have a beer with my grandpa Glenn up there for me. You are now among other greats.
Peace and love to you Linda and your family. He is truly missed by us. Smith Family
Ron Oltman
March 3, 2010
To Hazel, and all of jim's family i have went to different shops that jim worked in over the years and have went to him for several years at the Establishment. I always looked forward to getting my haircut from Jim because no matter how my day was going he always had me laughing and i left feeling better than when i went in. He helped so many people in his life.I will miss him very much but will always have the good memories of him very sorry for your loss we will all miss him.
Ralph and Debbi Covington
March 3, 2010
Hazel, and all of Jim's family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful person and brought joy to all who came in contact with him. After only a few minutes talking with him it became apparent he was a truly remarkable person. He exuded a love for his fellow man rarely seen today. Life definitely will not be the same without him. Even though he's gone, the memories we have of Jim will be with us forever.
Karl Thornton
March 3, 2010
Hazel,Jim will be missed by everyone who knew him,It was my good fortune to know him for Thirty-five years.May he get all the blessings he deserves.
March 3, 2010
Linda and family...we are truly sorry for your loss. Jim held a special place in our community and the hearts of the people he knew. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Earl and Terry (Bartelheim) Mays
March 3, 2010
Hazel,Wade, Brent and the rest of Jim's extended family. Jim will be missed!!!! What a SPECIAL person Jim was. Always a smile with that chuckle that just made you feel at ease. Drive that "FLATTY" as fast as she'll go Jim, your in THE BIG GUYS DRAG BOAT now. Rest well my friend. . We loved you Jim, you are a ONE OF A KIND friend. David Davidow and Family
David Davidow
March 3, 2010
Hazel,Wade, Brent and the rest of Jim's extended family. Jim will be missed!!!! What a SPECIAL person Jim was. Always a smile with that chuckle that just made you feel at ease. Drive that "FLATTY" as fast as she'll go Jim, your in THE BIG GUYS DRAG BOAT now. Rest well my friend. . We loved you Jim, you are a ONE OF A KIND friend. David Davidow and Family
Mary Anne Carney
March 2, 2010
Hazel I am so sorry to hear about Jim. Haven't seen either of you in a long time but will never forget him partnering up with Carney for horseshoes at Mark and Deannas. He was the kind of person you don't forget. My heart goes out to you and your family.
LEE MARLOW
March 2, 2010
DEAR LINDA & FAMILY,
WE WERE SADDENED TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF JIM. WE JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT WE ARE ALL THINKING OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME! OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU!
LOVE,
KIM, LEE, SHANE AND SHAWN MARLOW
March 2, 2010
hello linda im sorry to hear about your loss of your husband I remember his sence of humor over at the establishment he was a charecter made me laugh when i was getting a hair cut he will be missed and my condolences go out to your family kevin and charlotte and Ralph Rhodes Billings,MT
Steve and Debbie Schiwart
March 2, 2010
We are very sad to hear of Jim’s passing he was one of the good guys. He will be missed by so many. He had touched so many lives in so many ways. Heaven has gained a worthy soul. May you his family find strength in the memory’s he has made with each of you and know that his loving arms are waiting to welcome you home as his holy fathers was to welcome him.
March 2, 2010
Jim will be very missed. He was a very speacial person.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Hazel and your family'.
Richard and Carol Jackson Reno Nv
Judy Meagher
March 2, 2010
I have known Jim from the good ole days when he was a baseball coach for Little League. He was an amazing person and everyone that met him loved him. Everytime I saw him, he would make you feel as if you had been a friend forever, even though you might see him just a few times a year. You will be missed by many.
Judy Meagher
Howard & Nancy Danner
March 2, 2010
Hazel & Family - We share the pain and sorrow of losing Jim - he was a generous, kind and loving person who truly made a difference. So many years and so many memories! We are honored & blessed to have been a part of his life as well as yours, Hazel. He will be missed by many. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love to you and all of your family.
Darcie Arnold
March 2, 2010
I will always believe in Santa and Mrs. Claus because of Jim and Linda. Together they touched the lives of so many people and his legacy will live on forever. To Linda, I hope you are able to surround yourself in the memories Jim leaves behind. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
sharlene gray
March 2, 2010
jim,you were always there when anyone needed a helping hand, i don"t know how i would have made it through all the days while you best buddy was in the hospital, you always said just hang in there everything would be ok. and you were right. you will be missed by many including myself.and to linda and the rest of your family i am so sorry for your loss.
Micki Hansen
March 2, 2010
Jim, was one of those special people that you meet only once in a lifetime. I had the opportunity to meet him at Mans World in 1981 & I will always remember how he made people smile, you'll always be in my heart forever. God Bless your Family!
Theron & Melissa Corbett
March 2, 2010
Berry Family-
This morning we went to read about our father only to come
across your loss as well. We want you all to know our thoughts and prayers are with you. We wish we could be with all you on Saturday, however we will be in Oakdale, California for our dads service.
Love,
The Corbett Family
Theron,Melissa,Garrett,Austin & Krystina
Paula Tallent
March 2, 2010
Hazel and Family,Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim was such a great guy. We have so many memories of him, from Pig N Pitch to Santa Clause. RIP big guy, we love you.
David, Paula and Melissa Tallent
Ken / Diana McNeal
March 2, 2010
Jim,our hearts are broken to hear of your passing. We will miss our Rhino rides and all the fun we shared. You were a very special person to so many people and a special Santa to my sister Judy. Ken and I are so sorry to lose our "best" hair dresser ever. We love you and you will always be in our hearts forever. Love to you dear Hazel and all of his family. Love you are dear friend, Ken and Diana McNeal
Laurie parks Weber Herring
March 2, 2010
Jim is one of the people who is responsible for making me such a success in our industry. He nicknamed me sparky, He made me LAUGH more than you know. My first year working at Mans World I rolled half of all those 1977 welcome back cotter perms. As I rolled them I learned a lot, not how to roll a perm, but just about life he taught me my street smarts, he teased me more than any one ever has, but I learned that he only teased the ones he loved. I am a better Stylist because of Jim Berry. My heart goes out to his family for the loss of this amazing man. I always thought of Jim as a gentle giant he could fill a room with such laughter.
JoAnn Stevenson
March 2, 2010
Over the years Jim has given our family so many great memories and to many other families as well. We will miss him terribly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God Bless you the way you have blessed us. The Stevenson Family
Dauna Lacey
March 2, 2010
My heart has been saddened greatly today, I'm lost for words as I sit here and try to type up a short note, a part of me has died with you. As I read your obituary many many memories flood my mind. My first memory of you was in 1978 at "A Man's World" hair salon. I came into get my hair cut because I loved the style you had cut my girlfriends hair. You were my man Jim for then next 20yrs. I followed you to "Blood, Sweat & Shears, then to the "Establishment". I had soooo many people ask me where I got my hair cut and gave them your name, two of those being, Ruth James, Micky Hansen, just to name a few! I'll always remember jolly laugh and your jokes you told during my haircuts, your Pig roasts at Lahonton,the rib cook off... so MUCH fun. Thanks Jim for the fun and laughs, You were a great man and touched my heart! I'll never ever forget you! Dauna Lacey
Carolyn O.
March 2, 2010
I met Jim at a Christmas function and told him "If I was ever going to believe in Santa I would have because of him. He was the most beautiful Santa I'd ever seen!" About a year later I made a hair appt. and was happy to say that Santa cut my hair. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Terry & Bert Dudgeon
March 2, 2010
Hazel,
Bert and I are so sorry. We will miss his happy smiley face.
Love Bert and Terry
Rhonda Gregoire
March 2, 2010
Hazel, We were sorry to hear about Jim. He truly was a unique individual! I don't need to tell you what fun he was. He put a lot of joy into all the good he did for others. As they say in sports, "He left it all on the field!" He will be sorely missed.
My family will keep your family in our prayers.
Love and hugs to you and yours,
Dick and Rhonda Gregoire
Safe passage Jim!
Donald McDonald
March 2, 2010
In memory of Jim I send my condolances and sympathies today to his family. I met Jim "way back when" along with many Barbers of his Era. He was working at the corner Of Pyramid Way & Oddie Blvd, then. He will surely be missed but never forgotten....Donald McDonald
Dan, Michelle & Stacy Rittel
March 2, 2010
Linda and family, we are so sorry for your loss and we will truly miss Jim. The Hometown Christmas parade will not be the same without him. No one can and will ever replace him as Santa Clause. You're all in our thoughts in this difficult time.
March 2, 2010
My sweet Sister and family,
You are very definately in my heart and prayers. Love you all,
Vivi
John and Mealinda Mott
March 2, 2010
To all of the family and friends of Jim, our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of lose. The lose of a loved one is never easy, but instead of letting go we always remember the fun, and good times that we were blessed to share. Each time they touch our hearts and leave a new memory. So we try to remember all of the good and forget the bad. he will always be with us in our heart and minds and more so in our hearts around the holidays and he willa lways be remembered as SANTA.
God Bless you all and our thoughts are with you ,
Love
John, Mealinda, and the kids The Mott's
March 2, 2010
Jim truly made the world a better place... what a blessing to count him and his family as friends... Love you all, Rhonda K.
RoxAnn Gurr-Knighton
March 2, 2010
Linda and family, I am so sorry for your loss, Jim was a great icon here in Sparks, Nevada and any where he happened to be. He will be missed. Jim was a great friend and mentor to me, I met Jim in 1977. Fresh out of High School, I decided I needed to have a new hairdo and he was highly recommended. Not only did I get an awesome hair cut, I also was blessed with a true and special friend. He was also the first one to give my son his first hair cut and many more after that. I will miss him terrible. God bless you on your new journey. He will always be in my heart.
Tina Stinnett
March 2, 2010
Jim, you will always be in our hearts. We will never forget your great smile and your contagious personality. That entire shopping center wont be the same without you-I'll always picture your big white Blazer parked out by the light pole.
RIP Jim-we know you're making the Angel smile like crazy.
Tina Stinnett and Yo-Yo
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