PRESQUE ISLE- James R. “Jim” Berry, 70, passed away Tuesday morning August 30, 2016 at his home. He was born Feb. 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 US 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 Sept. 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 of the Men’s Softball 1970, member of Presque Isle Jaycees and PITRC, 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 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, 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 3 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 may call 6-8PM Thursday Sept. 1, 2016, at Duncan-Graves Funeral Home 30 Church Street Presque Isle. Funeral services will be held 11AM Friday with reception following at Grant Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Chris Dare o⠀iciating. Interment with military honors will be at Fairmount Cemetery, Presque Isle. Donations may be made in his memory to the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church P.O. 992 Presque Isle, ME 04769. Online condolences may be shared at www.duncan-graves.com
From Steve Luzzi:
I was able to locate Jim’s obituary. He was my best friend, it would be never more than a few days and we would see each other, get together or be off doing some project at each other’s home. After he passed (very unexpectedly) I swore to him as I was kneeling in front of his casket that I would watch out for his wife Laurie. Shortly after that I spent the day assisting her go through Jim’s military things that he left behind. She never knew as none of us knew he had been awarded the purple heart. From what I was able to deduce he had stepped on a punji stick which he had saved in a scrap book. As well as his bronze star, which I was never able to find out what he was awarded medal for.
Jim was a great outdoorsman. He learned about the outdoors from his dad who was a Master Maine Guide. After reading and learning more about LRRP members I can understand why he was such a great match. He never talked about his time in country other than a couple funny stories that he had.
Jim and I met when we were cub scout leaders for our sons that are the same age. That meant the world to him, and we both took great pride in helping to mold the young men that were in our troop. As a matter of fact, all 4 of the leaders were veterans between Army, Navy and Air Force.
As I was saying, I am reading a book that was written by his CO Reuben Siverling, Reflections Revisited. The book does talk about how the LRRP was formed. As a matter of fact, I even found a picture of our brother Jim. If I recall it was on page 141. The picture is a little blurry, but he is named in the picture:
Jim was a proud man that was respected by his community and loved by his friends and family. I miss him every day and I am sure that one day I will see my best friend again in Valhalla. If there is any other information that you would like to know of would like to remain in contact that would mean a lot to me. Thank you for honoring our brother.
