James Allen Beasley, age 93, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2021, at his home in Sun City, Arizona. James was born June 18, 1927 to Harvey and Constance Beasley in Beech Grove, Indiana, a small community on the outskirts of Indianapolis.
James attended Beech Grove High School, and after graduation enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the South Pacific during World War II aboard the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, and later the USS Essex.
After leaving the Navy, he trained as a Machinist / Tool Maker, and eventually went to work for Western Electric in Indianapolis, Indiana as a Tool and Die Inspector. James retired from Western Electric after 25 years’ service in 1980.
James, known as "Jim" to friends, family, and acquaintances, enjoyed hunting, gun collecting, and motorcycling, but his first love was flying. He recounted many times as a small boy running to his bicycle and eagerly chasing the many light aircraft and crop dusters flying over the Indiana countryside, hoping to get a closer glimpse at the machines, and the men flying them. When old enough, he took flying lessons, and gained his own student pilot license at the young age of 16. This passion stuck with him throughout his life, owning several light aircraft over the years, and continuing to fly well into his later life.
James is survived by his wife Alberta and son James Jr.
James visitation will be held on Monday, May 3rd at Sunland Mortuary from 1PM-3PM.
James committal service with Military Honors will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at 10:30AM on Tuesday, May 4th.
Please feel free to leave messages of condolences to the family along with other memories of James.
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