James Walker “Jim” Berry, 46 year resident of Angleton, Texas peacefully passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021 in Angleton, Texas at the age of 86.
A private family gathering will be held later this year at Angleton Cemetery to reunite James with his beloved wife Mary.
James was born in DeQuincy to Virgil Lewis Berry and Ruby Leona Benbow Berry on Jan. 12, 1935. He graduated DeQuincy High School in 1953. James met and married the love of his life, Mary Ethel George on July 30, 1955 in Daisetta, Texas. She graduated from Hull/Daisetta High School in 1955.
James had many different careers throughout his and Mary’s 60 year marriage which included various positions with the Missouri Pacific Railroad. He was instrumental in developing the Dow Chemical Railroad Department in Freeport, Texas. He also held positions with several other oil and gas companies developing Railroad Operations.
He was deeply involved in the Masonic Lodge in Angleton Texas Masonic Lodge #829 and attained the office of Worshipful Master from June 24, 2011 to June 23, 2012. Brother Berry had a total of 60.24 years of service. He received the Masonic Golden Trowel award on June 25, 2018.
An avid fisherman and hunter throughout his life, he was blessed to pass on this passion to his surviving family.
James was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings: sister, Billie Mae Berry Coffee, sister Jackie Fay Berry Mitchell, sister Norma Lou Berry Smith and brother John Alvin Berry. Lastly, he lost his beloved wife Mary Ethel George Berry on Aug. 29, 2015.
James is survived by his daughter, Mary Alicia Berry Deskins of Angleton, Texas; grandchildren: James Shane Hoffmeyer and partner Sue Schaufelberger of St. Mary’s Ga., Daniel Lee Deskins and wife Melissa of Seabrook, Texas, Patrick Allan Deskins and wife Emily of Angleton Texas.
James and Mary also were blessed with two great-grandchildren, Rye and Olivia Hoffmeyer. James is also survived by brother-in-law ML George and partner Linda Lonsberry of Longview Texas and many nieces and nephews in Texas and Louisiana.
The family of James wishes to extend our thanks to the staff of Cypress Woods Care Center where James lived the last four months of his life. Thanks as well to A-Med Hospice Nursing staff for their assistance. Also many heartfelt thanks to all the extended family and friends for their prayers and support of his family in his last months.
(Paid Memorial)
