James Samuel Berger

On Friday, September 16, 2022, Jim Berger, loving husband, and father of seven children passed away at the age of 86.

James Samuel Berger came into the world on May 21, 1936.  He was the son of Sam and Madeleine (Saucy) Berger, immigrants from Germany and Switzerland, by way of Ellis Island.  Brother, Jack, completed the family a few years later. 

Jim attended Salem elementary and high school.  He went to Willamette University, transferring to Oregon State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in agriculture. 

He married Idyll Bates on June 17, 1957.  They were married and together in all aspects of life for 65 years.

At the time of the birth of their first child, the couple owned the Oak Creek Jersey Farm, a Dairy in Turner, Oregon.  This passion for farming, tending animals, and working the land, led Jim and his family to many places.  The family lived in Turner, Silverton, Cloverdale, Scio, Burns, and Prineville.  They raised hogs, sheep, rabbits & dairy cows (especially jerseys) for sale as well as donkeys, dogs, goats, peacocks, and cats for fun.  The children grew up learning how to work in the wheat, oat, mint, and alfalfa fields. Together many truck loads of hay were delivered all over Oregon.

Truck driving was something he enjoyed.  He hauled fuel for Carson Oil for many years driving back and forth between Prineville and Portland and later with his wife, hauled travel trailers from warehouses to the dealers.  Jim and Idy traveled all over Oregon, WA, CA. NV. and Canada.

Jim had a natural ability to teach.  He could clearly explain to his children what his expectations were in how to do a good job, how to run the farming equipment, how to take care of chores, and how to excel in life.  He also taught many Sunday school classes, high school students and he was the FFA advisor for the Scio chapter. He was the Dairy Cow judge at the Oregon State Fair for 20 + years.

Wrestling was also a big part of family dynamics.  Family trips revolved around traveling to and from tournaments, participating, watching, and cheering.  While coaching his twin sons in Burns, their high school won their first state championship wrestling title.  His legacy continues through his grandson, Tyler’s, college wrestling successes and 3rd place ranking at 70 kg for the USA national team, as well as wrestling Hall of Fame members, son, Curt, and brother, Jack.

Jim lived his life well.  He decided to follow Christ early on and attended the First Baptist Church in whatever place he lived.  He led by example and raised his family to read the Bible, attend services, and to have a relationship with Jesus.  Jim sang in a church quartet and led worship during the services.  He talked to everyone, gave of what little he had, and saw life as full of hope.  He will be greatly missed.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Sam & Madeleine, and brother Jack.  He is survived by his wife, Idy of Boise, Id., Daughters, Carole & Jerry, (deceased) Owen, Lakeview, Oregon, Candi & Les Walker, Boise, Id., and Claudia & Rodney Hawthorne, Vancouver, WA and Sons, Cliff & Louise, Hartsville, S. Carolina, Curt & Roxane, Richland, WA, Rob & Brenda, Las Vegas, NV and Roger & Melody, Hermiston, OR.

Grandchildren:  Kelly, Kizer, Kayla, Nikita, Larissa, Logan, Rachel, Rebecca, Richole, Curtis Jr., MaKenzi, Breana, Tyler, Orielle, Sierra, and Saige, and 17 great-grandchildren.

There will be no formal service.  Condolences may be left on this web page or sent to Idy Berger at 10139 W. Overland Rd.  Boise, Id  83709. 

Instead of donations, please say a kind word, smile at someone, or pay it forward all in memory of Jim Berger.  We take comfort in knowing he is in Heaven because of his belief in Jesus as Lord of his life.

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