JAMES ALFRED BERESFORD

Husband of Florence Booth, youngest child of George and Ellen Booth 

Jim was President of Booth Newspapers after the death of George Booth. Jim was the family member who finally convinced Federated Newspapers to sell the Grand Rapids morning Herald to Booth Newspapers in1959. This deal was only possible following the death of George Booth with whom the owners of Federated Newspapers were fiercely competitive. The merging of the newspapers in Grand Rapids made Booth Newspaper even more profitable.

Jim Beresford is the only member of the immediate George Booth family who remained loyal to Booth Newspapers and its management until the final decision to sell.  His role in shepherding the company through the Newhouse sale was critically important.