James Edward Beals

James Edward Beals, 82, of Jacksonville, FL passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at his Jacksonville home. Jim was born on December 4, 1934 to James Lou Beals and Oral Beals of Emlenton, Pennsylvania. Jim was a graduate of Emlenton High School back in 1953. He served in the United States Army back in 1954 right beside his brother Larry Beals from Broken Arrow, OK.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother, R. Larry Beals, and loving wife Rachel Elaine Beals. He has a living sister Mary Jane Wolf from Newell, West Virginia, three children, James Edward Beals, Jr., Cindy Ratley, and John Ingram when he married Rachel Elaine Beals on October 14, 1977. In addition, he was a father to Jesse Bishop, and Samantha Bishop Bell whom he raised due to an early death of their parents. His grandchildren are Michael Ratley, Brandy Ratley, John E. Ingram, James E. Beals, John L Beals, Joseph W. Beals, Kayla I. Beals. He has seven that we call his great-grandchildren.

Jim enjoyed fishing, swimming, reading and wood-working. Jim was a truck driver for greater than 50 years. He retired officially from truck driving in June 2017. He was a history buff, a selfless person who loved to share stories and jokes. He was calm but head strong. He often said “I always tried to give my wife, family and friends the best I could with what I had”. He will forever be remembered by his loving family members and friends.

A visitation and service will be held at the Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, Edgewood Chapel, 729 S. Edgewood Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32205 on Monday, November 13, 2017 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am and funeral service immediately after with Bishop John Thomas officiating. John E. Ingram, James E. Beals, John L. Beals, Lawrence Courtney, Jesse Bishop and Scott Kaylor will be his pallbearers.