John "Jack" Berry

JOHN “JACK” HENRY BERRY JR., of Farmington Hills, passed away on August 1, 2023, at 80 years old. Jack was born on January 11, 1943, in Detroit, MI, to parents John Henry Berry and Shirley Elizabeth Blanchard.

A proud US Army Veteran, Jack served in Vietnam from 1967-1969. Following his time in the Army, Jack spent his career as an Accountant, primarily in the Insurance Industry. He earned his Certified Public Accounting designation in 1973, and in his spare time, taught CPA review classes to aspiring accountants hoping to earn the designation. He retired in 2008 as the Chief Financial Officer of North Pointe Insurance Company, and went on to volunteer at Dearborn’s Greenfield Village, where he worked on all types of vintage cars. It was his childhood dream come true.  

Born and raised in Dearborn, Michigan, Jack was a member of the Dearborn Historical Society and had a fondness for the history of the Ford Motor Company. He loved to watch his beloved Detroit Red Wings, but the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions were not far behind in his affections. He was an avid hockey player, playing in the neighborhood parks of Dearborn as a small child and moving on to after work leagues at local ice rinks. Jack hung up his skates at age 70 and started travelling with his wife, Christine. They enjoyed several trips abroad and within the United States, his favorite destination being the majestic Mount Rushmore. Jack loved Chris-Craft boats and Big Band Jazz. He could ‘name that tune’ faster than anyone! 

He understood the importance of giving back and was extremely generous with his time and expertise. Jack served many terms as the Treasurer of the Austin-Healey Club of America as well as holding other positions within local and national chapters of that organization. One of his proudest achievements was being a member of the Executive Committee that built the Ronald McDonald House in Detroit in November 1979. Both Jack and Christine worked tirelessly to raise funds and awareness for that worthy cause, and one very close to their hearts. 

Jack believed in the importance of Family, starting at an early age with his grandfather Walter Blanchard. Walter adored his grandson Jack from the moment he laid eyes on him, and the feeling was overwhelmingly mutual. After Jack’s father died and Shirley remarried the wonderful Richard (Dick) Wever in 1973, he considered himself blessed to have found in Dick a wonderful companion for his mother, three new siblings and a grandfather for his children like none other.  

Jack was the beloved husband of Christine for over 54 years; cherished father of Brian (Stacie Turner) Berry and Amie (Jeffrey) Paddock; proud grandfather of James Berry, Fiona Berry, Lindsey Paddock, and Jeremy Paddock; dear brother of Judith (Ray) Buck, Jane (Larry) Darling, Suzanne (Ross) Singleton, Christopher Berry (deceased), Martha Berry, James (Karen Freedland) Berry; adored step-brother of Martha (the late James) Hornkohl, Linda (Paul) Wulff and John (Kathy) Wever; and admired cousin and uncle to countless cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Jack was loved by many and will be missed deeply. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the charitable organizations that Jack held dear:  The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Detroit; 4707 St. Antoine St #200; Detroit, MI 48201 or www.rmhc-detroit.org and the local Farmington Hills Food Bank, CARES of Farmington Hills; 27835 Shiawassee Rd; Farmington Hills, MI 48336 or www.caresfh.org.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2023, from 1:30 - 4:30 pm at Thayer-Rock Funeral Home, 33603 Grand River Ave, Farmington, MI 48335.