John R. Berry, III

INDIANAPOLIS – John R. Berry, III of Indianapolis, Indiana left this world behind in search of his next great adventure and new avatar on the morning of July 22, 2025. He was 73 years young. Born to John R. Berry, Jr. and Jacqueline (Morris) Jaimet on February 24, 1952, John lived a life filled with curiosity, creativity, a few questionable choices and unmeasurable love for those closest to him. He spent much of his younger years enjoying time with his father and paternal grandparents. His grandparents built two homes in Rocky Ripple, one of which he lived in for a period of his adult life and instilled a love for the hidden town along the White River. He was active in Boy Scouts, which forged a life-long use of survival and camping skills. He was a graduate of the first senior class of John Marshall High School in 1969. Shortly after graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Melinda (Holmes). They were blessed with a son and a daughter. He was blessed again with another son from his second marriage. Throughout his life, John held many job titles. From his earliest days as a soda jerk at the Tee Pee restaurant under the watchful eye of his father, to graduating from the second class of paramedics at Wishard Hospital, working as an on-track medic at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and a commercial scuba diver for Team Land Development in south Florida. Prior to retirement, he put his carpentry and general contracting skills to use in assisting Indianapolis area homeowners with their various home renovation or project needs. His favorite and final project was working toward renovation of his early 1900s home on the near north side of Indianapolis. His gate was often left open to offer shade on his porch, fresh produce from his garden or clean water from his hose for the unhoused and underserved neighbors in the community around him. Aside from his children and grandchildren, one of his proudest accomplishments was achieving sobriety 17 years ago. His love of Mother Earth and all her gifts helped strengthen him in early years of recovery. From Easter weekend to the first snowfall of winter, John embarked on many solo backpack camping adventures in the forests surrounding the T.C. Steele Historic site in Brown County. His dogs Indy, Bailey and Dusty Alabama were always by his side. John is preceded in death by his parents and sister Sandy Zeigler. He is survived by his son, John R. Berry, IV, daughter Megan (Chris) Wright, son, Matthew (Amanda) Berry, long-time partner Susie Eliot, her daughter Lisa Jones and son Scott Jones, his first wife and friend Mindy King, grandchildren, Brianna (Tyler) Metz, Kaylyn (Gabe) Rosemeyer, Jonah Creamean, Maya King, Kara Berry, Allie Berry, Emily Wright and Isabella Wright. The family expresses their gratitude to Dr. Shiroo Parshad and Dr. Nathaniel Lee for taking the time to get to know him as an individual and giving him a fighting chance, and to Community Health Network Hospice providers for their care in his final months. John was a member of North United Methodist Church. A private service will be held for his family with plans for a celebration of John’s life to be shared later this year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John’s memory to Aaron’s Place Camp Mariposa, care of Overdose Lifeline 1100 W 42nd Street, Suite 385, Indianapolis, IN 46208 (https://aaronsplace.org/) or the Indiana Forest Alliance, 615 N. Alabama Street, Suite A, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (https://indianaforestalliance.org/). Arrangements are being handled by Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory in Greenfield.

John R. Berry, III

February 24, 1952 - July 22, 2025