Jean Beck

Ila Jean Beck was born at home on October 13, 1932 in Forgan, OK. It was the depression and money was non-existent, so the doctor received a fine horse for his services. The only child of Floyd and Eunice Powell, both deceased. They soon moved to Beaver, OK where she would grow up. She would spend summers on the family farm helping her mother and Grandmother feed the harvest crews that would move through harvesting wheat in the area. Her job was to kill and scald the chickens for lunch and dinner; a food she would not eat for the rest of her life. A member of the high school chorus and band, she was also a member of the State Championship Basketball team her senior year. She left Beaver for Draughon's Business College in Oklahoma City. After graduation she moved to Washington D.C. to go to work for the FBI. Her meticulous office skills would land her in the Secretarial pool for J. Edgar Hoover. While in Washington D.C. she used her musical talents and got extra work as a lounge singer, until the FBI said no. It was in D.C. she would meet the father of her three boys. She would move with him to the University of Kentucky so he could attend law school. Here she used her talents as a secretary for the Dean of the History Department by day while typing papers for the students in her husband’s law class at night. It was there her first born, James (deceased) would arrive. After graduation they moved to New Orleans where the second son, Michael and third son Dr. William Craig Byrdwell were born. They then moved back to Kentucky and after divorcing the boys’ father, she went to work for Irving Industries as the Executive Secretary to the President. This would be her introduction to the parachute industry and the “obnoxious salesman” that would eventually become her husband, Don Beck, deceased. After a couple of years, they would settle in Fort Smith. In 1976 she and Don started a company that would supply materials to the sport and military parachute industry around the world, D J Associates. After Don’s death she continued to run the business which has been around for almost 50 years. She also helped Don with the formation of the Parachute Industry Association, which she has served and supported for many years. She is a recipient of the PIA Distinguished Leadership Award. She is well respected within the industry and an example to many. She went to the gym three days a week and worked five days a week up until a month before her death. She was a world traveler and had seen all four corners of the world. Active in theatre and community groups serving on many boards throughout her years. Always a great example of a loving parent that gave unconditionally. She is predeceased by her parents, husband, oldest son and one grandchild. She is survived by 2 sons, 4 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. No service is scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the International Skydiving Museum and Hall of Fame, https://skydivingmuseum.org/