James 'Jim' Berry, 76

James M. (Jim) Berry, 76, went to be with his heavenly family on Sept. 19, 2014.

He was born at home in Fairfax County on September 19, 1938, the 4th of six children, to Moody and Della Berry. Jim is a graduate of Fairfax High School. On his 19th birthday, he married the love of his life, Barbara, with whom he has spent the last 57 years.

Shortly after graduation he partnered with his father running a portable sawmill in and around Fairfax County. In 1970 he went to work for W.H. Simpson & Son in Falmouth, VA and Ladysmith VA. In 1971 he and his partner, Steven (Sandy) Helms started a part-time business known as B&H Millwork. It went full-time in 1978 and continues in operation today. Jim was very dedicated to his church, always offering his time, talents and resources. He served as a Gideon and formed the gospel quartet, “The Kings Messengers.” Throughout his life Jim had many hobbies. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing. As a young man, he was into hot rods and later got into restoring and showing antique cars with the Antique Automobile Club of America. Lately his passion was his boat, the “Honey Too,” which he cruised up and down the west coast of Florida.

Jim was a loving, caring and devoted family man. He is survived by his wife Barbara J. Berry; four children, Laura Berry Brown and husband Dero, J. Michael (Mike) Berry and wife Lisa, Nancy Berry Mizelle, all of Stafford, and Robert Berry and wife Margaret of Spotsylvania; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; a sister-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to one of the following: Capital Caring Palliative Care Hospice, 4501 Empire Ct., Fredericksburg, VA. 22408; Alzheimer’s Association, 4600 Cox Rd., Suite 130, Glen Allen, VA 23060; and Gordon Road Church of God, P.O. Box 1954, Spotsylvania, VA 22553.

Jim’s final arrangements are being handled by Covenant Funeral Service, 4801 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Fredericksburg, VA. 22408. There will be a viewing on Monday, Sept. 22, from 6-8pm. The funeral service will be held in the Covenant chapel on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 1:00pm. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens. A reception will be held at the Riverside Church of God, 3461 Fall Hill Ave., Fredericksburg, VA. 22401.