James B. Berry's Obituary
James B. Berry, age 87, of Marine City, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2024. Jim was born September 28, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late John and Helen Berry.
Jim graduated from Denby High School in 1955. Over the next 40 years, he dedicated himself to the wholesale meat industry, becoming the owner and president of Allied Provision Co., a supplier of meats to some of Michigan’s finest restaurants. From 1970-1982, Jim served as president of the Michigan Association of Meat Purveyors. He was widely respected throughout the industry.
During his life, Jim believed keeping active was the key to aging well. At the Washington Life Center, he played pickleball, joined fitness classes, and cherished time with friends. He also enjoyed playing golf with his buddies at Pine Shores.
Jim loved family gatherings at his home of 52 years on the St. Clair River. Boating and fish fries were summer essentials. Each Thanksgiving, he traveled to Colorado to be with family. He was affectionately known as Pop Pop to his grandchildren and Popcorn to his great-grandchildren.
Fishing was a lifelong passion, starting at his family cottage on Harsens Island. Whether drifting for walleye or fishing Lake St. Clair for bass and perch, he found joy and passed this love to his son and grandsons. In 2015, Jim founded the St. Clair River Fishing Group on Facebook, which grew to over 17,000 members.
Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife of 47 years, Pam. He is survived by his children, Melinda Berry, Craig (Debbie) Berry, and Jane (John) Hoogerwerf; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Madison) Berry, Amy (Ian) Hicks, Sean (Ashley) Berry, and Ellen, Sarah, and Annie Hoogerwerf; great-grandchildren, Dax and Brady Hicks, and Cameron Berry; his companion, Judy Smith; and his brother, David (Linda) Berry.
A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Young Funeral Home, China Twp. Visitation will be from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. before the service. Urn interment will be at Rosehill Cemetery in East China, MI.
Memorials in Jim’s name can be made to the Washington Life Center 403 N. Mary St. Marine City, MI 48039. To leave a message of comfort visit www.youngcolonial.com
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