Former Montville Fire Chief Passes Away

MONTVILLE, NJ — Former Chief and Commissioner President of the Montville Volunteer Fire Department James Berry passed away over the weekend. He was 75.

Berry was a member of the fire department for 55 years, and worked as a Fire Commissioner since 1983. He was serving as the President of the Board of Fire Commissioners, District 1 at the time of his death.

"This is a huge loss to our department and community. Jim Berry was a standup guy who will be greatly missed by many. His outstanding character, leadership, and life lessons will never be forgotten," the department wrote on Facebook.

According to an obituary:

Jim was also instrumental in the restoration of the department's 1932 Buffalo Fire Engine. He enjoyed taking the Buffalo to parades and shows for many years receiving many awards and trophies. Mr. Berry was the plant supervisor for Mechanical Institute in Boonton, NJ before his retirement.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Christa (Horst) in 1995 and dear father, Wiley in 1989. Surviving are his devoted daughter, Christina J. Cook; loving mother, Hester (McKenzie); cherished granddaughter, Alycia M. Cooper; dear sister, Patricia Giammetta; 2 nephews, a niece; as well as his Aunt Frances and her children.

Services honoring Jim's life will be held at the Codey & Mackey Funeral Home, 107 Essex Avenue, Boonton, NJ with visitation on Tuesday, July 25 from 4-8pm (Fire Dept. Service at 7pm) and the Funeral on Wednesday, July 26 at 11:00am. The interment will follow at Montville Reformed Church Cemetery.

To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.codeymackeyfh.com. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Montville Volunteer Fire Department, 108 Main Road, Montville, NJ 07045, would be appreciated.

Image via Montville Volunteer Fire Department