Obituary of James Willard Berry

James Willard Berry, 90, of Dowagiac, Michigan passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 surrounded by his loving family. James was born on July 3, 1920 to the late Murney and Elva May (Mattison) Berry. He was one of 9 children in the Berry household. James enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served for 39 months as a night time Jeep Messenger delivering messages from Company to Company. He met Neva Frisbie at a polka lounge where he played guitar in a three piece orchestra. On December 10, 1943 they were married in Newberry, Michigan. Together they had 7 wonderful children. After working hard for most of his life James retired. His family was his number one priority in life, he would do anything to make them happy, especially his wife. James enjoyed telling his family and friends all about his fishing trips with his buddies and stories from his time in the war. He also had a well tended to vegetable garden that he loved taking care of while leaving the flower garden to his wife. He is preceded in death by his parents, son James Berry, daughter Janice Hall and siblings David Berry, Louella LaFave, Merna Anderson, Blossom Hoffman, Patricia Childs and Mary Short. James is survived by his wife of 66 wonderful years, Neva, children Kenneth Berry of Dowagiac, Daniel Berry of South Bend, Michael Berry of Dowagiac, Yvonne Weston of Niles and Annette Heron of Dowagiac, 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter and siblings Carl (Helen) Berry of Newberry, and Wayne Berry of Sanford. A time of visitation will be held on Friday, July 23, 2010 at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel, beginning at 10 a.m. with funeral service starting at Noon. Pastor Shane MacIntosh will be officiating.