James Berry Nerren

Graveside services with military honors for James Berry ""J.B."" Nerren, 87, of Lufkin will be held Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in the Rocky Springs/Old Center Cemetery with Brother Blackie Cranford officiating.

Mr. Nerren was born May 18, 1923 in Huntington, Texas to the late Ada (Lovett) Nerren and Virgil James Nerren, and died Wednesday, October 27, 2010 in a nursing facility in Lufkin.

Mr. Nerren had resided in Lufkin for 20 years, and previously lived in Huntington and Houston. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force for more than 20 years. He was an engineer on a B-24 Liberator bomber, cited by commanding General Doolittle of the Eighth Air for extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in smashing a bridge of vital importance to the enemy by descending to an extremely low and dangerous altitude. The group also received the distinction for completing 100 bombing missions in the exceptionally brief period of 140 days and dumping over 10,000,000 pounds of high explosives onto enemy targets in Germany and occupied countries. Mr. Nerren was the recipient of the Air Medal and two Oak Leaf Clusters. After retirement from the Air Force, he worked in Houston for many years. Mr. Nerren retired to Lufkin in 1990 and became active in flea marketing, where he met many people. He was a member of the Chestnut Drive Baptist Church.

Survivors include his brother and wife, Glenn and Helen Nerren of Lufkin; sister, Ruby Kent of Humble; sister and husband, Barbara and Fred Nash of Lufkin; foster brother, Lloyd Franklin and wife Dixie of Humble; special friends, Jon and Jan Linzy and Allen Clark; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Nerren was preceded in death by his sisters, Ruth Nerren and Virgie Lois Nerren; brother, Kenneth Nerren; and brother-in-law, Donald Kent.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home in Lufkin.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.