James Michael “Mike” Beard, age 75 and a longtime resident of Gonzales, La., passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was a native of Shreveport, La., he attended Fair Park High School and Northwestern State University. Mike enjoyed his family, his animals, and many outdoor activities, especially boating and fishing. He was passionate about cars and for many years he restored classic cars, including his turquoise 1957 Chevy like the one he had in high school, and his recent acquisition, a 1994 red corvette. He was a senior pipeline analyst for Shell pipeline Co., retiring in 2008 after 33 years. Prior to joining Shell, he worked as a gas instrument specialist in Shreveport. Mike is survived by his daughter, Monica Anderson Medine; son, Preston Anderson; sister, Lynn Beard Stewart and husband Marshall; sister-in-law, Brenda Burford and husband Taylor; brother-in-law, Tim Thames and wife Theresa; 4 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette Thames Beard; son, Robert Lee “Bobby” Beard, and his parents, Delma O. and Bonnie Thrasher Beard. Visitation for Mike will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 from 9 am until 11am at Ourso Funeral Home 13533 Airline Hwy, Gonzales, La. He will be laid to rest in Galvez Pentecostal Church Cemetery. Arrangements by Ourso Funeral Home. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oursofh.com for the Beard family.
