James (Jim) Lincoln Berry, age 80, left his loved ones on September 29, 2020. Jim is preceded in death by his parents James Berry and Mildred Foisia, his brother Howard (Bud) Berry, his sister Carolyn Ellis and his sweet cockatiel Mouser.
He is survived by Juanita Berry, his son Duane (Karen) Berry, his daughter Darlynn Berry Justice, his grandchildren Gray Berry, Ashley Brown and Ricky Justice II. He is also survived by his great grandson Jasper Justice, his sisters Marilyn St. Pierre and Judy Boyce and brother Roland Foisia, numerous nieces and nephews, his best friend Jim Daws and Jackyl, his beloved cat.
Jim was an Army veteran, who served in Germany and was also with the Army National Guard. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion. He had a lifelong passion for cars. He was an avid Nascar and Dale Earnhart #3 fan. His love of cars carried on after his military service when he owned his own gas station in New York, his own body shop in Beavercreek and he worked on cars well into his retirement. He also loved fishing and his favorite fishing spot was the Huffman dam area.
Jim loved his family. He especially enjoyed holiday family gatherings, when the house was full of laughter, stories and love. He will be forever loved and greatly missed by all those who knew him.
Duane Berry
I knew the day was coming, I even thought I was prepared. There is no preparation that lessens the blow of loosing a loved one.
When I think of my Father, I have a range of memories that swing through all the emotions that make up my being. We have been through a lot . We have had many Father/Son moments, particularly fishing. My most fond memories are when we had a laugh together. If I could even put a smile on his face, I was happy. He was family first, to the core.
My Parents instilled in me to stand up for myself but more importantly to stand up for others, especially those at a disadvantage. My parents also taught me empathy and compassion. I learned this from example.
My Dad had a seemingly tough as nails demeanor. Those that knew him well, also witnessed his kinder side. We watched him care for a few stray cats in the local park. He would quietly go and feed them, no fuss and he never wanted any accolades for his efforts. He would do anything he could to help. Even in his declining days he would try his best to make a difference, one good arm and all.
My Dad is the only person I know to die three times. Once in a bad motorcycle accident in the seventies when he was covered up by the EMT only to come back around to their shock. The second time was recently in the hospital were he was gone for several minutes, giving us all a scare. His tenacity hung in for a few more days and he left us for the final time with his family by his side.
Our Dad has been through an unreal amount of pain through the years, and although I hurt insurmountably knowing he is gone, I have some solace knowing he is free of pain.
I miss you Dad, and we will always Love you-
Done iterum conveniant...
Karen Berry
October 5, 2020
Greatest father-in-law a girl could ever ask for. I'm been married to Duane for 20 years and right from the start, he made me part of the family. He was always so thoughtful and made me feel loved and part of the family. I'll miss your stories and your laugh, but I will miss your hugs most of all. Heaven gained another angel....
Darlynn (Sweetpea) Berry
October 4, 2020
My Dad had the biggest heart I've ever known. He was there for me no matter what. Even at times when I was in the wrong he stood by my side, and he taught me how to ride a bike, he walked me down the aisle and was just always there. And yes he loved the Holidays and it's going to be hard not having him there this year. Dad your one of a kind and you had the biggest heart ever and it always showed in the Birthday cards and Christmas cards you always bought the mooshy ones. It was your way of saying just how much you loved everyone. You will be forever loved and in my heart always Daddy. Love your little girl. Sweetpea. ❤️❤️❤️ And no worries we will take care of Mom.
Margaret Griffing ( Berry)
October 4, 2020
Uncle Jimmy taught me how to work on my car when I was a young girl. He was patient and kind as I learned. Always had words of wisdom and was more like a father than an uncle.
Marybeth Gunn ( berry )
October 4, 2020
I will forever miss you. I could not have asked for a better uncle, who was so cool. You always was there for us when we needed a hug, a laugh, a car worked on or to borrow yours. You never told us no. You may have been miles away but you always picked up the phone and called to make sure we wore ok. My heart brakes of your loss but I will always have pictures and memories. I will miss you uncle jim. I love you. Rip and don’t cause to much trouble in heaven. You’ve earned your wings... fly high.
Ashley Brown
October 3, 2020
I will forever hold you in my heart gampa.
Love, Froggie
Marilyn St. Pierre
October 3, 2020
My Big Brother Jim and his beloved Mouser.
bill & nona bosell
October 3, 2020
sorry for your loss. jim will be greatly missed by all of us here in n.y. in deepest sympathy. love, bill & nona
Sweetpea Berry
October 2, 2020
