James N. Berry, born May 19, 1930, to Edward Lawrence and Mary Leona Berry in Park City, Utah, died September 11, 2022, of what James called “too many birthdays”. He was the youngest of 8 children.
James was first and foremost a firefighter. His career began in 1948 when he joined the Park City Volunteer Fire Dept. In 1952 he began his full-time service with the Salt Lake City Fire Dept. retiring in 1983 as a Captain. His next move was back to Park City as their first full-time Fire Chief. After that, James took a job with the Utah State Fire Marshal’s Office and traveled the State doing fire pumper testing and other duties as well as continuing with teaching volunteer firefighters training courses which he had done for many years. James’ last job was with Ross Equipment Company as a fire engine sales representative for the Utah area. He also continued his pump testing which he did until the age of 82.
James also served in the United States Navy Reserves beginning in 1947 aboard the USS Tarawa CV-40.
James was married to his high school sweetheart Lila Lee Nelson in the Salt Lake Temple on May 12, 1950. Together they raised 2 sons and a daughter: Max, Don, and Lee Ann. They were together for 69 years. In their retirement, they served a 3-year service mission at Church Headquarters.
James is survived by his son Max (Robyn) Berry, son Don (Millie) Berry, and daughter Lee Ann Hogge, sister-in-law Sheri Fitt, 8 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Lila, parents, 7 older siblings, and son-in-law Steve Hogge.
The family wishes to extend gratitude to Carrington Court Assisted Living, Atlas Hospice Care, especially Sara Warner and Larkin Mortuary.
Graveside service will be held Friday, September 16, 2022, at Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, at 11:00 a.m.
Max (Robin), Don (Millie) & Lee Ann, I am sad to learn of uncle Jim’s passing. Hugs to all of you. I love you all.
Love Linda Nelson
Max, Don, and Lee Ann, so sorry to hear of Uncle Jim's passing. You are lucky in a way that you did get to spend a long time with him. We always looked up to Jim for his life accomplishments. I wasn't too surprised to hear that he passed on 9/11. I have to share a little information. When my mother passed, Uncle Jim spoke at her funeral. Lila was sitting behind me and we took bets on how many times he would say "fire". We counted 4 times. He will be missed by us, but I'm sure he is happy today.
It was a privilege to know Jim. The first time I met him was at a pump test. He quickly became one of my favorite fire service educators. His sons have carried on a great fire department legacy.
James was a great help as Board Member at the Utah Stat Fire Museum.
Jim you will be miss by ALL.
Don, Max and all of the Berry family. I was fortunate to be over fire apparatus for 23 years. During that time Jim and I had a great friendship. He was one of the kindest men I have ever known. Always willing to show a new engineer how to pull a draft and how to improve on their skill set. He dedicated his life to service and we are all better for it. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Rest east my brother
So sorry for your loss. He is with Lila now and happy. We will all see him again. God bless your family! Love you guys.