James Robert Bercaw

James Robert Bercaw, age 94, died peacefully on March 9, 2018 at Country House in Greenville, Delaware, where he and his wife had lived since 1994. He was born in1923 in Canton, Ohio, the son of the late Anne Morris and Henry D. Bercaw.

While attending Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, Jim was introduced to his future wife, Emma Arnold Binns, by a grasshopper. Immediately after their marriage on April 22, 1944 in Roanoke, Virginia, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces, became a decorated P-51 Mustang fighter pilot based on Iwo Jima and flew eight-hour solo B-29 escort missions and fighter strikes.

After receiving his AB degree from William Jewell College, Liberty, Missouri, in 1948 and his PhD degree in physical-organic chemistry from The Ohio State University in 1954, Jim joined the DuPont Company where he was employed for 31 years, serving in technical and management positions in Textile Fibers Department in Wilmington, Delaware, Kinston, North Carolina, and Camden, South Carolina. He was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and by the U.S. Trade Representative as industry advisor on textile and fiber issues. He served as technical and international trade consultant to the American Fiber Manufacturers Association in Washington, DC, from 1970 until 2007.

Jim was very active at Westminster Presbyterian Church as Elder, Chair of Personnel Committee, Confirmation Class teacher, Stephen Ministry trainer, Youth Club advisor, and member of the adult choir.

Jim served ten years on the corporate board of Peninsula United Methodist Homes, Inc. (PUMH) and six years on the Board of PUMH Foundation. He was president of the Country House Resident Council for nine years and chaired both the Finance and Strategic Planning Committees.

Jim and Emma were both avid supporters of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) where they often counseled other parents. They were also active supporters of AIDS Delaware and helped organize the early Delaware AIDS Walks. At Country House, Jim’s power chair was easily identified by its rainbow markings.

Jim was best known for his gentle warmth, his compassionate ear, and for his ability to draw out a hilarious tale to its fullest extent. His family and friends were a constant source of faith and love, and the continual recipients of his amazing wit.

Jim was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Emma Binns Bercaw, in 2012. He is survived by four children and their spouses: James R. (Bob) Bercaw, Jr. and husband Jerry Hodge, Walter Bercaw and wife Nancy, Elizabeth Bercaw Crowell and husband John, and David Bercaw and wife, Juliet. His grandchildren are Deborah Crowell Lettieri and husband James, Jeffrey Crowell and wife Kristin Wedding Crowell, Katherine Bercaw and husband Daniel Strumpf, Laura Bercaw Petersen and husband Zachary, Emily Bercaw, David Bercaw and wife Lauren, Christopher Bercaw and Jessica Stann, and Sarah Bercaw. His great-grandchildren are Ethan and Emily Lettieri, Haley and Libby Crowell, and Sadie and Colin Strumpf. He is survived by many nieces and nephews and sister-in-law, Ercell Binns. He was predeceased by his sister, Elizabeth B. Flanagan.

Jim’s family extends their deepest gratitude to the residents and staff of the Country House. Their constant warmth and emotional support meant the world to Jim and to us. We also thank the staff of VITAS Hospice for their compassionate and loving care near the end of Jim’s life.

A memorial service will be held on April 21, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Pennsylvania Avenue and Rodney Street in Wilmington. A reception at the church will follow the service. A separate service was held at Country House. Interment will be private.

In place of flowers, donations may be made to Country House, 4830 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, Delaware 19807 or Westminster Choir College of Rider University, 101 Walnut Lane, Princeton, New Jersey 08540.