James R. Berning, 75, of W. Main St., Ft. Loramie, passed away of natural causes at his residence early Sunday morning, September 18, 2011. He was born December 28, 1935 in McCartyville to the late Herbert and Dorothy (Howe) Berning. On September 26, 1959, at St. Michael Church in Fort Loramie, Jim married Carol Ann (Vogelsang) Berning who also preceded him in death on June 6, 2010.

Surviving are four sons: John & Karen Berning of Versailles, Tom & Elizabeth Berning of Fenton, MO, Phil & Diane Berning of Fort Loramie, Matt & Leah Berning of Cincinnati, and eleven grandchildren: Megan, Kevin, Ryan, Ashley, Sam, Kellen, Evan, Nolan, Aiden, Amelie, and Bennett Berning; six siblings: Lois & Don Dicke of New Bremen, Norma & Jerry Lunney of Delaware, Marlene & Ron Hittepole of New Bremen, Barb & Kermit Freewalt of Minster, Jo & Ray Meckstroh of Anchorage, Alaska, Stan Berning of Prescott, Arizona; stepfather, Harry Ingram of St. Marys; two sisters-in-law: Treva Westerheide of Minster, and Mary Jane & Dick Gusching of Fort Loramie.

Jim was a 1954 graduate of New Bremen High School. He retired from The Dannon Company in Minster where he had been employed more than 30 years. Previously, he worked for the former Meyer's Dairy. James attended St. Michael Catholic Church and was a SAL member of the Fort Loramie American Legion Post 355.

An avid Browns fan, Jim also enjoyed reading, watching Main Street activity from the front porch, and following his grandchildren's sporting events.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at St. Michael Church in Fort Loramie with Rev. Steven Shoup presiding. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday 4:00 to 7:00 PM and Wednesday 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or charity of donor's choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.gehretfuneralhome.com