James N. Berkey's Obituary
James N. Berkey, 83, of Clinton passed away Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at Fieldstone in DeWitt.
Memorial Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Friday February 16, 2024 at the Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting his obituary at www.snellzornig.com.
James Norman Berkey was born May 13, 1940 in Humeston, Iowa, the son of James Renwick and Phyllis Didema (Richey) Berkey. He married Dorothy Elida Ehrhart in June 1965; she passed away in January 2003. James earned a bachelor’s degree from Parsons College and from the University of Iowa. He earned his master’s degree from Drake University. James worked for the Mississippi Bend AEA for over 30 years as a special education consultant.
He was an Eagle Scout and won the Silver Eagle Award. He was an avid hunter, outdoorsman and horseman, and was a member of Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever. He enjoyed watching western movies, especially John Wayne, and bird watching. He was a Ham Radio enthusiast with the call sign NI0Q. In high school he was on the swimming team and worked as a lifeguard. While teaching at Clinton High School he was a swimming and diving coach. He was a Polio survivor and he never let anything hold him back from doing what he loved. Jim enjoyed music and playing the drums. He enjoyed telling jokes, was an avid Hawkeye fan, and the DJ of Spring Rock.
He is survived by his four children: Joan Elizabeth Berkey of Clinton, William Layton Berkey of Wadsworth, Illinois, James Renwick (Mona) Berkey of Ames, Iowa and Janet Louise Berkey of Camanche; 5 grandchildren: Elias James Diaz-Berkey, Megan Isabelle Berkey, Madeline Grace Berkey, Faith Geneva Cannon and Miles Andrew Carey; one brother Dick (Linda) Berkey of Lyons, Oregon; and his beloved dog Stormy.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
Memorials may be made to Prairie Pastures Dog Park in Clinton or to the March of Dimes.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?