Jim Beals, age 81, passed away on July 20, 2020. His journey ended peacefully as he took his last breath here on earth, and entered heaven to be reunited with the love of his life, Patricia & his son, Joel.
Jim was born in Bloomingdale, Michigan in 1938, the only child of Alpheus and Barbara Beals. He worked for many years during his youth at the Village Market, which his family owned. Jim loved to tell stories of his days delivering groceries throughout town. In high school, he met Patricia and his world changed. After graduation, Jim attended Western Michigan University and earned a degree in Engineering. As his college years came to an end, he enlisted in the Army and served overseas in Germany. He and Patricia were married on April 1, 1961. Their family grew when they adopted Joel in 1968 and Julie in 1972.
Jim is survived by his daughter Julie (Dan) Marroquin, granddaughters Molly & Katie Marroquin. Also by his brother-in-law, Larry Cochran. Many cousins, nieces, & nephews.
Over the course of his career, Jim designed guitars for Gibson Guitar Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After the Gibson plant closed, he began designing clocks for Howard Miller Clock Company in Zeeland, Michigan. He retired from Howard Miller in 2003.
Anyone who knew Jim, knew that he lived his life by The Golden Rule. He never spoke a negative word about anyone. He gave of himself through volunteering at his church (First United Methodist Church of Holland) and also at the P.E.T. Plant. (Michigan – West Michigan | Mobility Worldwide®) He was a firm believer in equality, grace, and always treating people with kindness.
It’s hard to write a formal obituary for my Dad - someone who never enjoyed being in the spotlight. He was always perfectly comfortable working behind the scenes, never needing attention or accolades. He was so gentle and caring. So genuine and full of love.
He could strike up a conversation with anyone. His ability to put people at ease came naturally. My Dad had a wicked sense of humor. His quick wit and sweet smile could always get him out of trouble with my Mom :) As Alzheimer’s took him further from us, this was the hardest thing to see change.
To the very end of his life here on earth, Dad was always helping his fellow residents in the Eagle Harbor Memory Unit at Freedom Village in Holland. The nurses would always comment about how Dad was always willing to help out when other residents needed attention. This was his nature - always helping.
His greatest joy in life was being a grandfather to Molly & Katie. He loved building things for them - they both have beautiful keepsakes from Bapa. He enjoyed supporting them at school and sporting events. He was always a perfect audience for any story they wanted to tell. He will be dearly missed by his girls.
Our family is so, so thankful for the caring staff at Freedom Village. The nurses that got to know Dad over the last 2 years provided a home for him that was safe and full of love. I am especially grateful for Dad’s favorite aide, Jill, that was there holding his hand as he left us.
What an honor it was to have him for a father. What a privilege it was to have him as an example of marriage, family, and community. We celebrate that his has reunited with Mom & that he is whole again.
I will miss you so much Dad. Every time dessert is served. Every time I smell fresh cut lumber. Whenever I hear Big Band music. And anytime I hear a clock ticking. I will think of you. Thank you for holding my hand on the first day of kindergarten. For teaching me how to do doughnuts in the snow. For walking me down the aisle. And for teaching me that everyone deserves a second chance.
Due to COVID restrictions, we will not be having a service at this time. Please consider donating in Dad’s memory to either the P.E.T. Plant (3365 John F. Donnelly Drive, Holland, MI, 49424) or the Alzheimer’s Association (https://act.alz.org)
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