James Wilton Berry was born October 28, 1929, in Tattnall County, Georgia.  He was the oldest of eight children in the family of the late Willie and Leola West Berry.

He grew up on his family's farm where he stayed until being drafted into the army in 1951.  While in the army he went to Korea, the artic circle, and various bases throughout the US. His final station was in Hampton roads where he was honorably discharged and settled down in 1957.

On Christmas day 1955, James Berry was joined in holy matrimony to Ollie Dean Jackson.  Under this union Four children were born, Brenda (Premature 1957), Felicia, and Chandra.

After the Army James began working at the Newport News Shipyard, where he went on to work for 35 years.  While at the shipyard he worked part time at sears for 25 years, before retiring there as well.

Before being drafted into the army he became a mason, and later joined the Widow's Son lodge #54.

An ever-devout Christian, he joined Zion Baptist church before latter joining, Little Zion Baptist Church in 1982 where he attended and ushered faithfully for decades.

During his later years he would enjoy working out in his garden and riding his bike around the neighborhood.  He loved trains, technology, and most of all he loved smoking his pipe.

He departed this life at his home in the afternoon of March 30, 2024.  Left to remember him is his devoted wife of 68 years, Daughters - Felicia, and Chandra Berry, his nieces, and nephews and one grandson, Nicholas Honaker.  His remaining siblings include his brother Mark Allen Berry (Maria), and two sisters Yvonne Berry, and Leona B. Scott (Harry).

James Berry was a respected man by those who knew him, and his legacy will persist for as long as we will.

Life is for the living.  Death is for the dead.  Let life be like music.  And death a note unsaid.

– Langston Hughes

Viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2024 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel.  A Celebration of Life service will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Little Zion Baptist Church.  Interment will be in Hampton Memorial Gardens.