James Thomas Berry, 45, passed away unexpectedly on September 5, 2026.

James was born on May 20, 1981, in Kansas City, Kansas. He entered this world fighting. Born extremely premature and weighing less than two pounds, James spent the first three months of his life in the NICU before Mom and Dad were finally able to bring him home. From the very beginning, James proved just how strong he was. He was a fighter from his very first breath, and he remained one throughout his life.

As a little boy, he was affectionately known as “Bubby,” a name that those who knew him growing up will always associate with him.

James was the biological son of Pamela (Carver) Briggs and James Garnet Briggs Jr., both of whom preceded him in death. His mother, Pamela, passed away on May 6, 2025, and his father passed away on April 22, 2024. He is survived by his stepmother, Mary Briggs, and his adoptive parents, Ruth Ann Berry and Marion Franklin Berry Sr.

James is also survived by his daughter, Faythe Shaffer-Leuck; his girlfriend, Tessiney Egan, who stood by his side and supported him through his recent health struggles; and his siblings, Mandy Ratcliffe and her husband, Jonathan, of Gladstone, Missouri; Jason Berry of Kansas City, Missouri; Michael Briggs and his wife, Tianna, of Galena, Kansas; Jessica Huffman (Briggs) of Kansas City, Missouri; Franklin Berry Jr. of Kansas City, Missouri; and Jeffrey Berry of Kansas City, Missouri. Joe Briggs and his wife, Vicki, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; John Briggs of Nowata, Oklahoma.

Growing up, James, Mandy, and Jason were nearly inseparable. The three of them shared the kind of childhood bond that carries through a lifetime, and Mandy has always thought of them as “the three amigos.” Those years together created countless memories that will now be held especially close.

James loved being outdoors, and fishing was one of his favorite ways to spend his time. He was also a huge fan of bowling. As a teenager, he bowled in a league with his cousin Timmy Briggs.

And then there were the Backstreet Boys. James was absolutely obsessed with them as a teenager. He sang their songs, danced along with their music videos, and his family is still fairly convinced that somewhere in his heart, James believed he was destined to become their sixth member.

James was kindhearted and willing to help someone in need whenever he was able. He could also be incredibly stubborn—a trait anyone who knew and loved him well undoubtedly experienced more than once.

During the last few months of his life, James spent precious time with his family reminiscing about the past. Those conversations brought out the smile and laugh that his family knew so well. Seeing his face light up as old memories came flooding back created moments that will now be treasured more than anyone could have known at the time.

James’s life was not without struggles, but those struggles were only one part of his story. He was a son, a father, a brother, a boyfriend, a cousin and a friend. He was “Bubby.” He was one of the three amigos. He was the guy singing and dancing to the Backstreet Boys, the teenager bowling alongside his cousin, the man who loved to fish, and the brother whose smile and laugh will be deeply missed.

James came into this world fighting, and he never stopped. His life began with odds stacked against him, yet he spent 45 years proving that he was stronger than anyone could have imagined.

James will be remembered for the memories he made, the laughter he shared, the people he loved, and the place he will forever hold in the hearts of his family and friends.

Viewing and visitation will be held, Friday, September 11, from 9am-noon. Funeral services will take place at 2pm, Friday in the chapel of Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home with Rev. Randy Little officiating. James will be cremated following the service and his ashes laid to rest in a private family ceremony. Arrangements have been entrusted to Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home and Cremation Service. To send an online condolence, visit www.honoringmemoriesbartlesville.com.