Longtime barber returns after illness

Brandon Twp.-For more than 20 years, Jim Berta had been an area barber’clipping men’s and children’s hair from his Ortonville business known as Jim’s Barber Shop, 125 N. M-15.
About a year ago, Berta had to step down from his barber duties due to an illness that required a lung transplant. Following the surgery, he returned to work as a barber on a part-time basis at the new Cracker Barrel Barber Shop near Oakhill and Sashabaw roads.
‘When I was a barber all those years I had plenty of people come in to my shop using walkers and in wheelchairs,? said Berta, 62. ‘There were times when some people could not get out of my barber chair. So to help those folks, I decided to come out to their home and cut hair if they are having a hard time getting into the shop.?
‘The homebound people want to look good, too.?
Due to his lung transplant, Berta reminds customers if they have contagious diseases of any kind to stay at home until they are well.
‘I made a lot good friends here in the area, and I know there’s plenty of new customers in the area.?
The Cracker Barrel Barber Shop is open Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. or call for an appointment. 248-627-3722.