ADRIAN — A familiar voice in Adrian’s politics is stepping away — but not without a few final words.
Former Mayor Jim Berryman addressed the Adrian City Commission one last time during the June 2 meeting, offering a heartfelt farewell as he prepares to relocate to Lansing. His remarks reflected on decades of civic involvement, from his time on the city council to multiple mayoral terms and his role as a State Representative.
Berryman recounted his work building bridges — both literal and international — highlighting Adrian’s sister city relationship with Moriyama, Japan, which he helped establish. He also cited the installation of the Italian-American memorial in Comstock Park as one of his proudest achievements.
He reflected on the creation of Comstock Christmas River and its impact on local families, as well as his broader belief in civic traditions that bring people together across generations.
Berryman kept his remarks focused on gratitude — thanking fellow leaders, residents, and even critics for shaping his time in office. While he didn’t outline future plans, he made it clear that Adrian had been home in every meaningful sense of the word.
His departure marks the end of an era but not the end of his influence — the programs and partnerships he championed continue to shape Adrian’s community fabric.