James R. “Jim” Berry
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BERRY, James R. “Jim”, 70, Presque Isle, August 30, 2016. Funeral services were held 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 2, at Grant Memorial United Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home.
PRESQUE ISLE – James R. “Jim” Berry, 70, passed away Tuesday morning, August 30, 2016, at his home. He was born February 4, 1946, in Presque Isle, the son of Perley and Lila (Libby) Berry.
He attended Presque Isle schools, was a graduate of the Class of 1964, and attended the University of Maine at Presque Isle for two years. While in high school and college Jim taught swimming and was a lifeguard at the Presque Isle Outdoor Pool.
He volunteered for the draft in 1967 and served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam 1968-1969. He was a member of the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol, a Ranger and was awarded the Bronze Star. Jim was honorably discharged in September 1969, and then joined the Maine National Guard for two years.
He worked for the Star-Herald as the Advertising Manager, and retired after 35 years. Upon retirement, he rode his motorcycle with his wife, Laurie, and son, Shawn, loved craftsmanship with woodworking and performed many handyman jobs for friends and family. He also worked for Stew’s Downtown Sight and Sound installing satellite dishes and antennas.
Jim was very active, was a pitcher in the Men’s Softball League, member of the Presque Isle Jaycees and the Presque Isle Teen Republican Club, member of the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church, past President of the G.M.U.M.C. Men’s Club, member and secretary of the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club, a Boy Scout Leader in Troop 171, and member of the Presque Isle Country Club, earning his hole in one in the summer of 2015.
He is survived by his wife, Laurie (Sawyer) Berry of Presque Isle; a son, Shawn Berry and his precious girlfriend, Lindsay Colley, of St. Albans, VT; foster son, Andrew Hair and his wife, Belinda of Eliot, ME; a sister, Carol MacDonald of Scarborough; a special nephew, Garth MacDonald and his wife, Janice, of Newport News, VA.
Jim’s heart for his family, friends, church, and community was unparalleled. He lived and accomplished the equivalent of three lifetimes. The actions of his life reflected his compassion, service, and faith. The light of his character left an indelible impression on all who had the privilege to know him. Though he is departed, his memory will forever be cherished.
Family and friends called 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, at Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church Street, Presque Isle. Funeral services were held 11 a.m., Friday, with reception following at Grant Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Chris Dare officiating. Interment with military honors was at Fairmount Cemetery, Presque Isle.
Donations may be made in his memory to the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 992, Presque Isle, ME 04769. Online condolences may be shared at www.duncan-graves.com.
