James Edward Berry

James Edward Berry, 83, of Cambridge, died Monday (January 6, 2020) at his home.

"Alright…I finally did it! I finally took my first step into that place called Eternal Life. I want you to know that I had a great run here with all of you! As a kid, I drank from the hose, wrecked my brother's car…drank at lots of bars…loved the smell of a well-running oil rig or well…rescued kittens & rabbits for Kathy to nurse…traveled to lots of other countries! I really had a wonderful life!"

He was born June 14, 1936 in Cisne IL, son of the late Cletis Berry and Lydia (Squire) Berry.

Mr. Berry got into the oil business by the time he was seventeen and never quit. After working for Glenn Kohl, he started his own oil businesses, JEB Drilling and GEM Drilling.

He was a member of the Cambridge Eagles and Elks clubs.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bill Berry; a sister, Joy Hobbs; a stepdaughter, Suzette Dikun; a grandson, Andrew Prince; and his faithful dog, Gracie.

He is survived by his wife, Katharine (Lynch) Berry, whom he married in 1985; two sons, Dr. Nick (& Silvia) Berry of Columbus and James Allen (& Jeannette) Berry of Freeport; three daughters, Cindy (& Leroy) O'Ryan of Flora IL, Kimberly (& Rick) Prince of Dresden, and Tiffany (& Scott) MacReady of Michigan; a stepson, Brandon Hannahs of Naples; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

No calling hours will be observed.

A memorial service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church – 1025 Steubenville Ave, Cambridge - on Saturday (January 11, 2020) at 2:00 p.m.

As an expression of sympathy, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to one of the following organizations: 1) Hospice of Guernsey Inc., PO Box 1165, Cambridge OH 43725; or 2) Guernsey County Dog Shelter, 62824 Bennett Avenue, Cambridge OH 43725.

Saturday, January 11, 2020 2:00 PM

St. John's Episcopal Church 1025 Steubenville Avenue Cambridge, OH 43725