Another sad news item.
From the National Cartoonists Society:
The NCS is sad to announce the passing of ?Berry?s World? cartoonist James O. ?Jim? Berry on Friday, March 20th at 83.
After dabbling with a cartoon strip on his ship?s newsletter while serving in World War II, Jim left a career in business management in 1961 to accept a job as staff illustrator for the Cleveland Plain Dealer. In 1963 he created the politically-orientated panel cartoon ?Berry?s World?, which became nationally syndicated. ?Berry?s World? would peak appearing in over 1000 newspapers during it?s 41 year run in syndication. Jim was honored with the NCS Divisional Award (Silver Reuben) for Best Newspaper Panel in 1965, 1966 and 1972, among other honors. Jim also received several honors from the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists, and served as president of the AAEC.
I don’t mean to sound petty or split hairs but if he died @ 83 then he was only 13 at the end of world war 2. Was he 93 perhaps?
His entry in the NCS 1996 Album says (among other things) he was born in 1932, graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University, served in the Navy, joined Newspaper Enterprise Association in 1961, and launched Berry’s World in 1963. He was wonderful to comics fans like Don and me, more than once making us welcome in NEA’s Cleveland offices. So sorry to hear of his loss!
Jim was also a longtime member of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists, and served a term as its president. He was one of the all-time good guys and an outstanding talent.
His obituary reads that he served in the Navy in the mid-1950s.
http://www.capecodtimes.com/article/20150322/OBITUARIES/150329850/101063
Dad was born in ’32 and drafted in the Navy shortly after he and Mom were married in September of ’55.
Full obituary for Dad can be read here: http://www.capecodtimes.com/article/20150322/OBITUARIES/150329850/101063/LIFE0901
Duncan Berry, It’s rare we get to address an actual family member and express condolences. I’ve admired your Dad’s work since I first saw Berry’s World as a kid. It had the kind of simplicity, intelligence and sophistication to which I aspire.
In a word, your Dad was a stud.
God bless him, you and your family.