WAKEFIELD, Mich. - James E. Berg Sr., 81, a prominent long-time Wakefield businessman passed away on Tuesday June 3, 2025, at his home.
Jim was born on Feb. 28, 1944, in Wakefield, a son of Jacob Erland Berg and Martha Odelia (Mustapaa) Berg. Jim graduated from Wakefield High School in 1962. In 1963, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Following his basic training in Fort Knox, Kentucky, he was stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma; White Sands, New Mexico; and Wackernheim, Germany. After his time in the military, he moved to Milwaukee, and worked at P&H Crane. In 1966, he purchased Eddy Park Service from his Uncle Eli Mustapaa. Jim went on to operate Eddy Park Service for the next 56 years until his "retirement" in 2022.
On Oct. 14, 1967, he married the love of his life Florence Switzer. Together they welcomed children, James Jr. in 1970, and Erin in 1984. Jim was a proud father who enjoyed spending time with his children at his camp.
Jim will be remembered as a kind, caring and helpful man who was respected by both his family and his community. At one time or another, Jim lent a helping hand to nearly everyone in our community whether it was towing vehicles or roadside assistance; he always showed up when
someone was in need. Jim loved spending Wednesday nights with his close buddies at the camp reminiscing and listening to the blues. He loved taking his ranger through his property with his companion Licorice with Delilah running alongside.
Jim enjoyed his daily coffee clutch with friends at the bakery. He often joked that when he retired, his next job would be the important task of switching the 'Closed' sign to 'Open' each morning, a reflection of his humor. Jim was loved by all and will be missed by many.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 35 years, Flo; his sister, Gerry Whitburn; his brothers-in-law, Mark V. Miljevich and Bill McClellan; and nephew, Mark D.Miljevich.
Jim is survived by his two children, James Jr. (Tracy) Berg of Wakefield, and Erin (Noah) Bunt of Bessemer; three grandsons, Travis, Dylan, and Austin Berg; his siblings, Greta (Michael) Hutchison of Germantown, Wisconsin, Linda McClellan of North Port, Florida, Martha Miljevich of Wakefield, and David (Shirley) Berg of Wakefield; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and close friends.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Tuesday, June 10, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., at All Saints Lutheran Church, 1202 Putnam St., in Wakefield, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Brittany Barkus officiating.

A committal service and burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield, with a military graveside service under the auspices of the Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

Luncheon will be served at the VFW Post 9084, 107 E. U.S. 2, in Wakefield, following the military honors.

Arrangements are entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield.