Jessie Berry

Jessie Berry made a difference in the lives of others. Whether family or friend, he was someone who others could rely. He was generous in all ways, and his compassionate nature shown bright to all. Jessie was a hardworking man who filled the lives of those he loved with precious memories never to be forgotten. He will be deeply missed. By 1932, the economy continued to deteriorate as a result of the Great Depression. Unemployment increased to over 24 percent with an astounding 13 million out of work. Many struggled to keep their families fed and a roof over their heads. Even so, the entertainment industry grew by leaps and bounds and was a welcome deviation from everyday worries. Yet for Ernest and Georgie (Hardin) Berry, the year offered hope and promise as they celebrated the birth of their son, Jessie L. Berry on June 11, 1932. While he was born in the small town of Dover, Arkansas he always referred to Missouri as his home. As a youngster he went to live with his grandparents. While being raised by his grandparents, Jessie grew to have a very close relationship with his aunt and uncle, Aunt Laura and Ross. Even though they were his aunts and uncle, they lovingly viewed him as a little brother. Jessie had his share of chores on the farm. He and his uncle Ross spent most of their time picking cotton while his aunt Laura worked as the water girl, often carrying two buckets of water out to the cotton fields for all the hired help. Always the hard worker, Jessie tilled the farm with mules, and one time worked a mule so hard the mule fell over dead! Although close, Ross and Jessie were mean little brothers to Aunt Laura. When Aunt Laura built her own fort dollhouse, the boys tore it down. When they threatened to tell their parents, Jessies grandma and grandpa, the boys told her they would pay her back real good the next day if she did. One time Ross and Jessie took Aunt Lauras diary, locked themselves in the car and proceeded to read it out loud while she stood was outside the car crying. Each Saturday night theyd walk to town six miles away after picking cotton in the fields all day to find a little mischief, and fun. In 1950, Jessies Aunt Laura and her husband moved to Michigan, Jessie chose to go with them. Traveling by train, she packed a basket of food for the trip, but Jessie was so embarrassed, he wouldnt even eat it. With the onset of the Korean War, Jessie went on to serve as a seaman in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Brownson DD-868, and later he became a member of the American Legion for which he was proud. His time in the service taught Jessie a great deal, but it was while in a bar in New York City when Jessies life forever changed. There he met his future wife, Clara Beekman. She was there with a girlfriend, and the two girls fought over Jessie, kicking each other under the table. One of his favorite memories of his wife, they were happily married in New York on December 15, 1955. In fact, they were together 56 years together until her death in 2006. Jessie said, marring Clara was the best day of his life. In their lifetime together, they were blessed with three sons, Gary, Dan, and Jack, and daughter Kim. In the earlier years of their marriage, they made their way back to Michigan, making their home in Grand Haven, Michigan, Jessie supported his family by working in a local foundry there. He began working at Dakes, and whenever they ran out of work, he relied on Grand Haven Brass to provide him with work. Jessie worked between both places until Grand Haven Brass permanently hired him. In all, Jessie worked at Grand Haven Brass for 46 years, and 25 of those years in management. For 12 years he also served as the union president. Jessie loved being a father and provided a good life for Clara and the kids. His daughter Kim fondly remembers her father as a great man in her life. She especially loved Easter holidays filled with a nice family dinner followed by a fun-filled time enjoying Jessies Easter egg hunts. This was a traditional that continued on with the grandchildren. Endless times were shared with his boys fishing from the Grand Haven pier catching buckets of fresh perch. Through the years he loved a good card game, and enjoyed hunting deer hunting and small game. Jessie was a good example for his children to live by. With his compassionate heart, it was in his nature to be generous with everyone. He was known to loan friends and co-workers money until payday, and he even gave his daughters friend an allowance so she could go to the movies. When the parent of one of their sons friends died, Jessie and Clara gladly took this friend into their home, raising him as their own and making sure he received an education. The boys spent many a day blueberry picking, followed by a nice swim in the gravel pits. When his son, Dan jumped off the diving board in too shallow of water and broke his arm, Jessie came to his aid, pulling him up by his other arm. Reassuring Dan it would be okay, they went to the hospital, only to discover Dan had two broken arms! Great times were also shared on Saturday nights with Jack at the drive-in theater on M-104. Theyd each get a bag of chips and pop and ultimately went enough times to see every Hells Angels movie ever made. Family dinner get togethers were special because mom always made homemade cream spinach and dad made his special cream corn. Very mechanically inclined, Jessie could fix anything. Having owned seven rental homes over the years, Jessie did maintenance and remodeled them until ultimately selling the houses to his renters. Ever loving and kind, Jessie had a way all his own of making everyone feel special. One time when he heard his daughter-in-law, Lai mention she didnt like herself in a photo, Jessie told her photos dont lie, and made her feel beautiful. He and Clara always treated everyone like one of their own. Jessie adored his grandchildren and in his love for them, helped them in any way he could. When his beloved Clara passed away in 2006, the love of family sustained Jessie through his loss. Glenda Ernst later came into Jessies life. They became the companions and the closest of friends. Her devotion to Jessie, lovingly cared for him until the day he died. Jessies family loves and appreciates all she did for this special man in their lives. Gone but never to be forgotten, Jessie made a difference in the lives he touched. For having known and loved him, their lives will never be the same. Mr. Jessie Berry, age 82, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2015. SURVIVORS: Sons: Gary Berry of Florida, Dan (Lai) Berry of Holland, Jack (Cheryl) Berry of Norton Shores; daughter, Kimberly (Karl) Schlehuber of Fruitport; grandchildren: Jim (Laurie) Berry, Ashley (Bob) Neilsen, Jennifer (Josh) Cowlishaw, Jessie (Kat) Berry, Jamie (Sam) Berry, Matt Berry, Jason Moore, Nolan Moore; 12 great-grandchildren; special friend and companion, Glenda Ernst; brothers, Bob (Betty) Hardin of Fennville, Pete (Mary) Hardin of Hamilton, Jim Hardin of Holland, Tom (Judy) Hardin of Arkansas, Tony (Evelin) Hardin of Holland, Tim (Gracy) Hardin of Holland; sisters, Susie (Sam) Olund of Dorr; several nieces and nephews. Jessie was preceded in death by his wife, Clara in 2006, grandson, Danny Berry, and brother, Doyle Hardin. SERVICE: Tuesday, April 21, 2015, 11:00 AM at the Clock Chapel-Grand Haven with Military Honors under the Grand Haven VFW. VISITATION: Monday, April 20, 2015, 4-7 PM and Tuesday, one hour prior to the service at Clock Funeral Home-Grand Haven. MEMORIAL: In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Hospice of North Ottawa-Heartwood Lodge. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a favorite memory of Jessie and to sign his online guest book.