James R. Zerby

James R. Zerby, 66, of Berne passed away at 5:47 p.m. on Monday, August 13, 2018 at his residence. He was born on Sunday, March 23, 1952 in Adams County to Robert G. and Melvena (Burry) Zerby. He was married on Saturday, December 30, 1972 in Berne to Jocelyn D. “Jodi” Davidson.

He was a 1970 graduate of South Adams High School in Berne. He was a member of the West Missionary Church in Berne. He served as a cook in the Indiana National Guard for eight 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 drove a flatbed boom truck. Following a stroke in 2006, he began driving a forklift to load trucks. He 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. He was a strong, hardworking 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.

He is survived by his wife of Berne; two sisters-in-law, Gina Zerby of Geneva; and Deb Parrett of Berne; two brothers-in-law, Jim (Mary) Davidson; and Mark (Nancy Scott) Davidson, both of Berne; four nephews, Paul (Amanda) Zerby of Michigan; Mitch Parrett of Bluffton; and Tony (Abby) Davidson; and Clayton Davidson, both of Berne; seven nieces, Dawn (Troy) Masonbrink; Cindy (Jason) Gibson; and Holly (Marty) Guthrie, all of Geneva; April (Shannon Reinhart) Zerby of Monroeville; Gretchen (Tim) Yoder; and Lisa Parrett, both of Berne; and Aubree (Davidson) Young of Noblesville; and several great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Micheal Zerby; and sister, Kathy Zerby.

Visitation will be from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 16 at Downing & Glancy Funeral Home, 100 N. Washington St., Geneva and one hour prior to the 10:30 a.m. funeral service on Friday, August 17 at West Missionary Church, 4295 SR 218, Berne. Officiating will be Pastor Keith Rupp. Burial will be at MRE Cemetery in Berne.

Memorials may be made to South Adams Life Skills Class or West Missionary Church Children's Complex, 4295 SR 218, Berne, IN 46711.

Arrangements provided by Downing & Glancy Funeral Home in Geneva. Online condolences may be made at www.glancyfuneralhomes.com.