Obituaries

James Franklin Berkheimer passed peacefully to his heavenly reward on April 4th 2012 at age 98. Born in Altoona, PA to Charlotte Bell Walters and Harry James Berkheimer on June 27th, 1913, the 4th of 8 children. Jim quit school at the age of 15 to help support his younger siblings. He was almost 18 when he and 2 friends left for California for adventure and work. Jim spent time in the Civilian Conservation Corps and later was a cook, chef, restaurant manager, prospector, miner and lumberman. He was inducted into the Army in June 1941. Later, when on furlough at home, the radio reported the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Next morning he left a sad mother and 3 younger siblings. Among the first contingents to leave the USA, he was sent to Ireland, England, North Africa, and Italy. He then tried for a transfer to France to be near brother Harry. After 4 1/2 years of service, a sergeant, he was discharged. Soon he was on his way back to California. Following some time here, he went to work in Alaska.

Returning to California he married his sister?s best friend, Charlotte Zundel. They moved to Nevada City, built a home in the hills and enjoyed the great out-of-doors. After 26 years of a happy marriage, Charlotte passed away. Jim retired from Yuba City Lumber Co. and eventually moved to Angel?s Camp where he joined a weight lifting group and won 5 trophies. His vision slowly deteriorated, but he managed to take a sky-dive for his 85th birthday. As other age-related problems developed, he was finally convinced by his friends and caretakers Freddie Waid, and Mark and Tabbitha Hix to move to Fremont where he could be with his family once more. His nephew, Jim brought him to Fremont to reside at the Emeritus assisted living home. He was active and happy, especially on outings with his nephew and Sunday lunches with the family.

Jim is survived by brother, Harry and sister, Vivian, nephew, Jim, four nieces, Pat Bradley, Sandra Albert, Karen Burks and Ginnie Stuart. He was preceded in death by sisters Violet, Thelma, and Belvadine, and by brothers Leroy and Harold.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 14th, from 8:30-10am followed by a chapel service at 10am at Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536. A committal service will be held on Thursday, April 19th, 2pm at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA where his younger brother, Harold rests.