James R. Zerby, 66, of Berne, IN, passed away at 5:47 PM on Monday, August 13, 2018 at his residence in Berne, IN. He was born on Sunday, March 23, 1952, in Adams County, IN. He married Jocelyn D. “Jodi” (Davidson) Zerby on Saturday, December 30, 1972 in Berne, IN. Jim was a 1970 graduate of South Adams High School. He was a member of the West Missionary Church. He served as a cook in the Indiana National Guard for 8 years. He was employed at Berne Furniture, CTS, and Yost Construction. IN 1975 he was employed by Berne Ready Mix and continued until July 27, 2018. He started making cement blocks and tile, then started driving a flat bed boom truck. Following a stroke in 2006 he began driving a fork lift to load trucks. Jim enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, and participating in car shows. He found satisfaction in taking aluminum car parts and polishing them to a shiny, smooth surface. Most recently he enjoyed taking his “Mistress” (72’ Chevelle) for a little cruise. When he needed to relax he found pleasure in driving his “Mini Mistress” (golf cart) on country roads and enjoying God’s work. Jim was a strong, hard working man and was determined to beat his cancer enough to go back to work. He was such a giving man with a tender heart, and always made sure his wife felt loved and safe.
Loving Survivors Include his Wife – Jocelyn D. “Jodi” (Davidson) Zerby, Berne, IN, Sister-in-law – Gina Zerby, Geneva, IN, Sister-in-law – Deb Parrett, Berne, IN, Brother-in-law – Jim (Mary) Davidson, Berne, IN, Brother-in-law – Mark (Nancy Scott) Davidson, Berne, IN, Nephews – Paul (Amanda) Zerby, Michigan, Mitch Parrett, Bluffton, IN, Tony (Abby) Davidson, Berne, IN, Clayton Davidson, Berne, IN, Nieces – Dawn (Troy) Masonbrink, Geneva, IN, Cindy (Jason) Gibson, Geneva, IN, April (Shannon Reinhart) Zerby, Monroeville, IN, Gretchen (Tim) Yoder, Berne, IN, Holly (Marty) Guthrie, Geneva, IN, Lisa Parrett, Berne, IN, Aubree (Davidson) Young, Noblesville, IN, and several Great Nieces & Nephews.
He was preceded in death by his Father – Robert G. Zerby, Mother – Melvena (Burry) Zerby, Brother – Micheal Zerby ,and Sister – Kathy Zerby.
Visitation where Family and friends may gather to share and remember will be at Downing & Glancy Funeral Home 100 N Washington Street Geneva on Thursday, August 16, 2018 from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM and from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at West Missionary Church 4295 St. Rd. 218 Berne, IN on Friday, August 17, 2018.
A service to celebrate his life will be at West Missionary Church at 10:30 AM on Friday, August 17, 2018 with the Pastor Keith Rupp officiating. Interment will follow in the M.R.E. Cemetery in Berne.
Preferred memorials: South Adams Life Skills Class West Missionary Church Children’s Complex 4295 St. Rd. 218 Berne, IN. 46711
Arrangements are being handled by Downing & Glancy Funeral Home in Geneva.
Online condolences may be made at www.glancyfuneralhomes.com