Obituary of James Vernon Berlin

James Vernon Berlin, 62, passed away on October 17, 2014, with his devoted wife Patty by his side. A native of Santa Cruz, Jim attended Harbor High School before earning his Bachelor of Science Degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Jim would use his skill and knowledge in Industrial Technology while working as a plant engineer for Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, Weyerhaeuser, and International Paper, all in Salinas. Jim had an enthusiasm for life, enjoying time with family and friends. He was very proud of his scouting background and was a recipient of Eagle Scout. While growing up in Santa Cruz, Jim helped his dad, Charles Vernon Berlin, establish the KSCO Radio Station, taking great pride in developing his passion for building and engineering. Jim made a mark in his community by sharing his scouting skills with the youth of Salinas. He volunteered at local schools, teaching the youth of our community many skills, including the construction of a greenhouse, a weather station and an amphitheater at Steinbeck Elementary School. He enjoyed being a judge for Senior Projects at Everett Alvarez High School. Jim loved spending his vacations in Hawaii and cruising the world, exploring new places and cultures, and making new memories with his wife and daughter. He was also an avid San Francisco Giants and 49ers fan. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Patty Berlin and his daughter, Kristy Berlin. He is also survived by his sister, Karen Berlin Jeffries of Idaho, and her husband Howard Jeffries; niece, Colleen Jeffries, and nephew, Clint Jeffries; cousins, Shirley Hasty of Santa Cruz, and Barbara Berlin of Los Gatos, CA and numerous wonderful friends. His most special friends were Toki and Eddie Hurt. Jim was preceded in death by Charles Vernon Berlin, his father and Julia Berlin his mother. Jim had a lust for life and always tried to make each whose path he crossed a bit lighter by his sense of humor and wit. He was always a legal beagle and always believed that people should be treated with fairness and respect. Jim has made his community a better place and his legacy will be carried on by the lives he touched. A Celebration of Life will be held at Oakwood Chapel, 3301 Paul Sweet Road in Santa Cruz on November 8, 2014 at 11:00am The family asks that you please wear purple, as that was Jim's favorite color or Aloha wear, since Jim loved the islands so very much. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Boy Scouts of America, Cal Poly State University of San Luis Obispo or Harbor High School, Santa Cruz, CA.