James Edward Berry

Jim Berry, 85, a life-long resident of Columbia, MO passed away Monday, May 14, 2018 at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico, MO. Funeral Service will be 3pm, Friday, May 18, 2018 at Memorial Funeral Home 1217 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia with burial to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery with full Military Honors. Visitation will be Friday from 2-3pm at the Funeral Home.

Jim was born June 5, 1932 in Columbia to James C. and Lula May Kile Berry. He served for the US Army during the Korean War and after his discharge would work several years as a mechanic and truck driver. While serving in Korea, he earned a Bronze Star and several Service Medals and would have been awarded a Purple Heart but he refused. He was granted an early discharge after 14 months of service.

On April 16, 1976, he married Lenora Tate in Warrensburg, MO at her Uncle’s home. He was a very active volunteer with a variety of Service Organizations and the VFW. He was a very thrifty man and was able to repair most anything. He enjoyed playing cards and checkers and spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids. Most of all he loved his wife, Lenora who preceded him in death on March 29, 2008.

He is survived by his children, Gracie Proctor of Columbia, David & Becky Berry of Columbia, Kenny & Belinda Baise, Bruce & Kathy Johnson, and Eddie & Jerry Baise all of Fulton, MO; grandchildren, Jenn Berry (Brent), Shelia & Luke Thompson, Crystal Berry, Kenda & Steven Heimericks, Kenny, Jr. & Casey Baise, Kathy & John Flaugher, Jon & Vanessa Seifert, Sara Proctor, Mary Proctor, Matthew Proctor, Joyce Reynolds, Beck Reynolds, Kace Johnson, Jesse & Robin Baise, Laura & Eric Kuhrts, and Phillip Homer (Missy); great-grandchildren, Ty & Trenton Heimericks, Carmen Flaugher, Erin & Julie Sumpter, Trenton & Trevor Lairmore, Xander, Hunter, Wyatt, Megan, Liam, & Alana Baise, Hayden Douglas, Alexis Berry, Jaxson Holman, Victoria & Triton Weber, Ashley, Kevin, & Maylee Reynolds, Kaeden, Leland, & Neveah Johnson, Braelyn Lopez, Brayden & Brielle Kuhrts, Brookie & Bella Comegys, Mariah, Alexandra & Evan Seifert, Julia Bates, Benjamin, Aliyaha & Oliver Proctor, Cameron Williams, Addicyn Green & Noah Loomis. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Lenora; granddaughter, Ashley Berry; son, James Berry; and sister, Beulah Long.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the MO Veterans Home 1 Veterans Drive, Mexico, MO 65265.