James Albert Berrie

James Albert Berrie, 91, passed away at his home in Oxford, Wednesday September 25, 2019, under the care of his son, Steven A.J. Berrie and his cats that he loved so much.

Private family services will be at a later date. A memorial has been established with API (Meals on Wheels) and the Cowley County Humane Society. 

Bert was born April 20, 1928, the second born son of a set of twin boys. First born John Robert Berrie and 2 minutes later “Bert” to join the older brother Donald Richard. For a trio of boys for their parents Mr. James H. Berrie and Mrs. Alda E. (Newman) Berrie.

James’ great grandparents were one of Cowley County’s pioneer settlers, having immigrated from Stirling, Scotland in 1829 to Meadville, Pennsylvania and later to a farm in Cowley County in 1869. He was reared and educated in Beaver township, near Treshan attending “centennial school” in dist. 4. Later attending Winfield High School. Focusing his time on Ag Business and The Future Farmers of America, winning a state award his senior year. While in High School he played basketball for 2 years. He had a life-long love for baseball, playing all during his youth and into early adult years. He often mentioned playing ball with the Rainbow Bend Oilfield team. Sponsored by Barnsdall Oil and later Sunray Oil. James also enjoyed hunting with Bob and his friends.

After High School Bert and J.R. volunteered in the 8th Army. Coming home after serving for 18 months in the Occupation of Japan as a Military policeman. He attended K-State for 2 years for an Ag Degree, then returned home to form “Berrie Bros. Farming” with Bob. Working with their father James H. Berrie until his death. He spent a career farming until retirement at 84.

Bert met Erma Laurel Alexander-Johnston at a square-dancing event. On June 18, 1983 Bert was united in marriage to Erma at the Topeka Rose Gardens at Gage Park. The couple enjoyed Wichita Thunder Hockey games as season ticket holder for 25 years. Bert and Erma also enjoyed spending time and playing games with friends and family. They spent 31 years together before her passing in 2014.

Surviving to honor his memory are his 3 children, Linda Johnston of Lawrence, KS, Steven A.J. Berrie of Oxford and Sheryl Gleason of Oxford, 2 grandchildren, Alyssa Black and husband Ian and Derek Gleason , three great-grandchildren, Bradley, Reece and Zane, his twin brother John Robert Berrie of Arkansas City, a nephew, Raymond Berrie and wife Marily and their 3 girls of Washington, NJ. a cousin Elaine (Newman) Carlson of Colorado Springs, CO. and numerous cousins, great nieces and great nephews, also special members of the family are his dog, Jill and his 3 cats, Trey, Tigger and Buster.

Preceding him in death are his parents, brother Donald Richard Berrie & niece, Dawn Athena Berrie.

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