James Berry,

BERRY, Mr. James H. Jr. - Age 78, passed away Wednesday June 1, 2011. Family hour 10:30AM Friday, June 10, 2011 at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 512 Pearsall St., with funeral service commencing immediately at 11AM. Interment Perry Mount Park Cemetery, 878 N. Perry St. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:30AM Friday. Mr. Berry, Jr. will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, and may be viewed from Noon-8PM Thursday. JAMES HARRISON Berry, JR., At a very young age, James lost his mother. He was taken in by his grandparents, the late Edward and Ora Abernathy; who loved and nurtured him until adulthood. He attended school in the Pontiac school system prior to his voluntary enlistment in the United States Air Force. He proudly served our country from 1952 to 1956, and received an honorable discharge. James was awarded the Medal of Conduct and the National Defense Service Medal. He continued his service to our country in the U.S. Air Force Reserves until 1960. On December 15, 1956, James Harrison Berry, Jr. married Ida Lee Donaldson in a double wedding ceremony along side Ida’s sister and brother-in-law, Pearline and Robert L. Williamson, Sr. James confessed his faith in Jesus Christ at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Pastor L. R. Miner, Sr. James had a passion for fishing and cooking. His faithful commitment and dedication was very evident in being an excellent provider for his family; so much so that he worked two 8 hours jobs for almost thirty years. He retired from GM Fisher Body in 1982 and the State of Michigan at Clinton Valley Center in 1997. James was called home to be with the Lord on June 1, 2011 after a battle with various health issues. The memories of his life shall be cherished by his children, Michael J. Berry of California, Beverly (Sylvester, deceased) Robinson, Roslyn (Shellie) Branner, Donald H. Berry and daughter–in-law Danna Berry; grandchildren, Valerie (Pastor J. Mark) Freeman of Wisconsin, Monique Webb, James Robinson, Rian Berry, Isaiah Berry all of Pontiac, Patrice Berry of California; two great-grandchildren, Jacob and Jo’el Freeman; brothers, Kevin Berry, Anthony (Nicole) Berry, both of Detroit; in-laws, Pearline (Robert) Williamson, Sr. of Pontiac, MI, James Roy Jr. of Florida and Denzel Donaldson of New Jersey; nieces, Julia Berry, Zipora Berry, Alexis Berry, Antoinette Berry, Satin Berry all of Detroit; nephews, Robert (Wendy) Williamson Jr. of Florida, Charles (Claudette) Williamson of California, David Williamson of Pontiac, Brian Berry, Anthony Berry, both of Detroit; and two dear cousins, Louella French and Josephine Young, and a host of other relatives and friends. was born on May 24, 1933 in Pontiac, MI. to the late James H. Berry, Sr. and Ola Mae Abernathy. He was united in holy matrimony on December 15, 1956, to Ida Lee (Donaldson) who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his youngest son, Brian L. Berry.

James Berry,

May 24, 1933 - June 1, 2011