James W. Berkshire, 82 years old of Decatur, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2009 in the Woodcrest Nursing Center. He was born on Tuesday, November 30, 1926 in Marion, Ohio the son of the late Richard L. Berkshire and the late Anna Mae (Piefer) Berkshire. He married Thelma M. McGraw on May 31, 1953. James was a veteran of the United States Army where he served in the military police during WWII. He was a member of the Decatur Church of Christ, the American Legion Post #43, the V.F.W., the Scottish Rite and the Masonic Lodge #293. He retired from Safety Director Management at Central Soya in 1988. Surviving are his wife, Thelma M. Berkshire of Decatur, son, Timothy J. (Cathy) Berkshire of Decatur, son, Thomas L. (Sharon) Berkshire of Greensburg, Indiana, son, Terry R. (Mary) Berkshire of Garrett, Indiana, sister, Mrs. Karlton (Beverly) Luke of Marion, Ohio, nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Preceding James in death were one sister, Joan Berkshire and one brother, Jack Berkshire. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2009 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Moore officiating and military honors to be conducted by the American Legion Post #43. Friends will be received from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 17 in the Woodcrest Porter Auditorium and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home. Preferred memorials are to Family Hospice of Northeast Indiana or the Adams County Community Foundation-Heart Fund.
