James Patrick “Jim” Sherry, age 93, passed away on February 25, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Charlene Marie (née Bartenbach), with whom he shared 67 years of loving marriage.
Jim was a devoted father to six children: Charlene Mulholland (Jerry), Jeanine Sherry (Rich Kline), James Sherry (Sally), Christopher Sherry (Sue), Patrick Sherry (Lisa), and Thomas Sherry (Kim). He was blessed with thirteen cherished grandchildren: Charlene Stanton (Thomas), James Mulholland (Claire), Jacqueline, Christine, Thomas, Rebecca Smith (Will), Julia, Anna Mae, Olivia (departed to Heaven, May 26, 2024), Quin, Daniel, Connor, and Cole.
Jim was the loving son of the late James P. and Mae M. (O’Mara) Sherry. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Marie (Sherry) Miller, and brother-in-law, Edward Miller, as well as his sisters-in-law Jeanne Marie (Bartenbach) Cade, Helen Marie (Bartenbach) Lynott, and Grace Marie (Bartenbach) Bratzell. He is survived by his brothers-in-law Charles Bartenbach (Carol), Joseph Bartenbach (Donna), and Richard Bartenbach.
Jim was a proud graduate of St. James High School in Chester, PA, Class of 1949, and remained active in the alumni community throughout his life. In recognition of his dedication, he was inducted into the school’s Wall of Honor in 2022. He was a member of the 49’ers class and a Knight of St. James. After high school, he pursued his education at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School Evening Division for seven years, majoring in transportation. He was also a member of Nu Alpha Transportation Fraternity.
Jim’s career in transportation spanned decades. He began working as a leather sprayer for Pioneer Belt Co. in 1950 before joining NuCar Carriers in Chester, PA in 1951. The next year, he worked in the Traffic Department at Henry Bower Chemical Manufacturing Co. in Philadelphia. In 1956, he was recruited by Acme Markets as an Assistant Traffic Manager, overseeing all contract carriers serving Acme. In 1963, Jim and Charlene established their own transportation consulting and tariff publishing firm, which they successfully grew to serve around 80 carrier clients throughout the East. A decade later, in 1973, he acquired the Motor Carriers Service Bureau, expanding its reach to serve over 700 trucking companies.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jim and Charlene traveled to Ireland, Italy, England, and various parts of Europe, including a very special 60th-anniversary D-Day tour from Normandy, France all the way to Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest.
Together with his wife, Jim treasured time with his family, especially at their Ocean City, NJ home on 44th Street. He also enjoyed visiting St. Michaels, MD, and traveling to see his children in Seattle, Florida, New York, Arizona, and North Carolina.
Jim and Charlene were dedicated members of St. John Chrysostom Church in Wallingford, PA for 57 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. John Chrysostom Church, 617 S. Providence Road, Wallingford, PA 19086, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place immediately afterward at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield, PA.
Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to St. John Chrysostom Church, St. James Alumni Association (1499 E. 9th Street, Eddystone, PA 19022), or a charity of your choice.
Jim’s legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.