James Arthur "Jim" Berry, 86 of Bellevue, passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at his home following a six month illness. He was born October 9, 1922 at home on the family farm in Assyria Township the son of Mark O. and Alta (Moore) Berry. Growing up on the family farm, he attended the one room school house on M-66 and later Bellevue Community Schools. Jim was drafted into the United States Army on January 23, 1943, serving during WWII in Europe. After being discharged on January 23, 1946 he returned home and married the love of his life, Marie A. Westrick on July 5, 1947. They were happily married for 57 years before she passed away on August 10, 2004. Jim worked at United Steel and Wire after the war, and then went to work for Grand Trunk Western Railroad where he worked for 32 years, retiring in August of 1984. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie; two sons: Richard Michael "Mike" Berry and James John "Jimmy" Berry; his parents and one sister, Mable VanOrnman. Surviving is his daughter: Diane (Ron) Wagner of Bellevue; grandson: Cory Wagner of Bellevue; daughter-in-law: Nina (Sylvester) Berry of Battle Creek; two granddaughters: Melanie (Edward) Winegar of Battle Creek and Mallorie Berry of Milwaukee, WI; six sisters: Frances Root of Battle Creek, Evelyn Parker of Battle Creek, Helen Manning of Bellevue, Fern (Burket) Star of Bellevue, Carol Ann Newberry of Battle Creek and Katherine Anderson of Battle Creek; and one brother: Frank "Stub" Berry of Albuquerque, NM. Growing up on the family farm, Jim loved to go fishing and hunting. He had a love for animals and has nine head of cattle, which were like pets to him. Jim loved caring for them and watching them from his backyard. He and his wife, Marie loved to camp, enjoyed traveling to many places such as Florida and attended his Army reunions every year. Jim enjoyed going out to eat with his family and on weekends could always be found at an estate sale or auction. He had a love for people and was known as one of the nicest guys you could meet. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. today and the rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Philip Catholic Church with Rev. Father Charles H. Fischer officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be directed to the church for Masses in Jim's name or to Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice.

Battle Creek Enquirer Thursday June 11, 2009 Page A6 col. 2