James B. Packham

Newport, RI. James Beresford Packham, (Berry) 77, died on October 27, 2017, at his home in Newport. Berry is survived by his wife, Charlene K. Packham, his daughters Tara Green, of Cheshire, UK, Michele Merrick, of Natick, MA, and son Charles Packham of London, UK, as well as cousins in the UK, Mark Cox, M.D. and Brenda Hannen. His grandchildren are Katinka and Cora Packham of London; and Maggie and Ella Merrick of Natick. Berry was born in 1940 on the south side of London, a direct route for German bombers. He remembered the London bombings and spoke of the difficulties in the UK during and following WWII. He later moved to Bromley, UK with his parents, James Packham and Doreen Cox Packham. He was educated at Manchester University in the UK as well as Northwestern University, Chicago, New York University and Harvard University. Berry qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants and enjoyed a robust financial career in the UK, Europe, Central America and in the United States. He was a trustee of the International Environmental Research Foundation (IERF) and served as Treasurer for the Hope Foundation for Cancer Research.For many years Berry was a loyal member of The National Tennis Club (Court Tennis), Newport where he served on the Board of Directors. He enjoyed playing in many tournaments and won a Gold Medal for his age class in 2013. In addition to tennis, he loved traveling, gardening and literature.In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Parkinson Disease Association, Rhode Island Chapter, P.O. Box 41659, Providence, RI 02940-1659.