Gavin “Jim” Paul Beaman, age 79, died October 21, 2016 of heart failure at his home on the ranch with his wife, Jeanne at his side.
Jim was born January 30, 1937 in Dixon, IL to Wilson and Dorothy Koch Beaman.
He spent a great portion of his youth farming with his grandparents, Ben and Mini Koch. This is where he learned his love for outdoors and developed his strong work ethic. While attending school Jim began playing the trumpet in second grade and was proud to have played trumpet 1st chair in high school.
Jim enlisted in the US Navy at 17 and served on The USS Tarawa an air craft carrier. After his Navy service Jim worked on a neighbor’s farm which was near Jim’s grandfather. Even though Jim loved the outdoors, he attended school for telephonic electronics and worked for Leich Electric Co. in Genoa, IL. Jim’s job was to put in telephone dial service across the country. During Jim’s travels he met Dianna “Jeanne” (Mitzkus) Beaman, whom he married on May 8, 1962
After their first son, Jim, was born the family moved to Donnelly, ID to farm. Even though Jim and his family loved farm life, they decided to move to Jeanne’s hometown of Livingston, MT, where Jim worked for Northern Pacific Railroad. While living in Livingston, Jim and Jeanne’s second son, J, was born. Jim continued to dream of a ranch life, which led the family to Colorado. While living in Colorado they adopted their daughter Jan. After living in Colorado, Jim was called to Texas where he was able to spend his days on horseback.
Jim’s love of family called him back to his hometown where he worked alongside his father and brother operating a cleaning business. He also tended bar at the New Bridge Inn where he loved listening to his customers. It is no wonder Jim’s next “people” job was working for Eagle Grocery, which prepared him for a very different “people” job, Jim’s time working as a guard in the Illinois State Prison psych ward for 22 years.
He retired in 2002 from the Illinois State Prison. Jim, with his loving wife Jeanne, moved west and began the most joyous time in Jim’s life: RANCHING on the Russell Rumph Ranch in Biddle, MT, a place Jim loved and also where he died with Jeanne by his side.
Jim was preceded in death by his grandparents, his daughter Janette Renee, and his parents.
Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dianne “Jeanne” Beaman, siblings, Ben (Charlene) Beaman, Gil (Kathy) Beaman, Karen Edwards, children, Jim Raymond Beaman (Marci), J Roy Beaman and Emily, Jan (John) Snow. He is loved by his numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Honorary Pall Bearers are Blue, Quentin Rumph, Jimmy Collins, Tom Riggs, Owen Rumph, Kermit Rumph, Evan Rumph, Larry Jones and Brad Knutson.
A small private memorial service will be held in celebration of Jim’s life at the ranch. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Broadus is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
The family suggests memorial donations be sent to: Jeanne Beaman c/o Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home, the Broadus High School Rodeo Team or the charity of your choice.
Special thanks to all the Rumph family for their friendship and trust.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Steve & LeAnn Rhodes says
Knowing Jim truly loved the Lord and shared that love with others brings very good memories of him. My prayers are with his wife and family throughout this time of loss. May God reveal himself to each of you as you share family memories. Our Love, LeAnn & Steve
Rhonda Erlenbusch says
My prayers go out to Jim’s family! We will hold many good memories of Jim. He was a inspiration to a lot of people! He will truly be missed. ?God bless, Rhonda Erlenbusch
Judy Webb says
Sorry for your loss, but I know Jim like Dick was ready to go home if they could no longer serve here on earth the way they wanted to. We had some great times together good memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lori Laidlaw says
Jim was a great correctional officer. He did have an incredible work ethic. He got along with everyone and everyone liked him. Even the inmates respected him. I’m so sorry for your loss, he was a great guy!
Vanna Byrd says
Jeanne, I was so sorry to hear about Jim. I have missed waiting on you two at the Cashway these past eight months. You were always one of the highlights of my shift there. I also enjoyed seeing you in Church and Jim never failed to have a smile for me. I really believe he is riding horses and chasing cows in heaven and having a great time, only waiting for the rest of us to come help with the chores. Hugs and prayers to you and your family.
Brad and Carmen Knutson says
Jeanne and Family,
I have tears as I write this– We will miss Jim very much. He always had a smile for us and of course him and Brad and their discussions! We feel very blessed to have gotten to know him and will treasure his friendship in our memories. May the Lord comfort all of you in the days to come. Hugs dear friends–
Elizabeth Handel says
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a great correctional officer and a good man. My condolences go out to his family and friends. God bless.
Ray Espinoza says
I am so sorry to hear Jim has passed. He was a good man and a good Correctional Officer. Jim was respected by all. My prayers goes out for his family and friends.
Karen Gunther says
I was so sad to hear of Jim’s passing, he was a wonderful man filled with God’s love in his wife, got to know him at Senior meals and then out to the ranch where I helped clean the 2 houses. Jeanne you are in my prayers love you.
Sue Dever says
I worked with Jim at the prison until he retired. We shared many stories of our similar interests, the West, horses and ranching. He was so happy to be able to retire to a life he loved. God blessed Jim in a life well lived. May his family be blessed with happy memories! My sympathy to his family.
Steve (shovel ) Christensen says
New Jim from going into eagles, then he started at the prison, worked many years with him. He was always fun to be around and everyone respected him. So sorry for your loss.
Brian Hereford says
Jim and Jeanne were my neighbors in Dixon Illinois. I was a single parent struggling everyday. Live was a bit sweeter having them next door. Jim always took time to talk to me. Or lend a helping hand. God bless you Jim and Jeanne.
Brian Hereford
Cody Morris says
Jeanne and family,
It has been a pleasure getting to know you. I have enjoyed singing with you, Jeanne, and have had some nice visits with you and Jim. I always appreciated Jim’s “get ‘er done” attitude, and also respect the Faith the two of you have in the Lord. Thank you so much for all the eggs you so generously gave us…with no acceptance of payment! May the Lord Bless and keep you!
Cody, Josie, & Coy Morris
Ella Mae and Allen Drane
Hubert and Teresa Dunphy says
Gavin grew up in my neighborhood and he was a classmate of Hubert’s. We enjoyed his company at his class reunions. He was a nice guy and fun to be around. We will miss him! We extend our condolences and praters to Jeanne and all of the family. Hubert and Teresa (Keeney} Dunpjy
Branty Harris says
Worked with Jim in Dixon, He was a great guy and very funny once you got to know him. I learned a lot from him. He will be greatly missed and I extend my condolences to all his family and friends. Branty Harris
Grant and Mary Olson and family says
So sorry for your loss .your son john enjoyed working for him
Jim and Kathy Bowers says
So sorry for your loss. The community will miss his smiling face. We all join together to thank him for his service. So happy you two had a chance to share the 4th with us. May God bless you in this time of sorrow. He will be happily herding cattle in heaven.
James Noble says
Jim’s kindness and friendship will be missed. I always looked forward to visiting him at the ranch. I would like to extend my condolences to Jeanne and Jim’s family and friends. His friendship and hospitality will not be forgotten.
Michael jensen says
I worked with Jim at the prison, we had many a great stories to tell with each other. He helped train me and for that I am truly thankful for. He was very inspiring to me with his love of the Lord .
Sylvia Zimmer says
Jeanne, I am going to miss seeing and visiting with the two of you together… I pray for you to have the strength to continue in your daily missions with the continued happy memories of your and Jim’s time together.. Your friends are all here to help you with each day. Keep your faith and stay strong. Love and hugs to you…
Dianna Hibbard Hannan says
Jeanne……thoughts and prayers for you and your precious family….think of you often love you….and so sorry for the loss of your precious husband….will never forget your beautiful voice
Audrey& Kent Humphrey says
Jim was such a nice person he always had a smile, I did learn a lot from him. So sorry for your loss. Jim was a great person to work with, my husband and I still talk about him.
Dave clark says
I have been blessed to be able to call Jim a friend. There are not words to express the amount of respect I have for Jim and the honor to have known him. Few people know that Jim enjoyed painting and I am happy to say I have one hanging in my family room and will look at it often. He was always willing to help me as I learned the ropes of being a good correctional officer. He had such a zest for family, friends,work and life all will be missed I know by many. My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family at this time of need. Again so sorry for your loss.
Jeff Currens says
Knew Jim from the prison and through eagles. Good officer and very easy to talk with. My condolences to the family.
Mark and Sandy Heckman says
Mark and I are so sorry for your loss. We send our prayers and love . Mark and Sandy Heckman.
Barb Fichtenmueller says
Jim and Jeanne were my “family” and good friends for many years, they helped me raise a son were there when I needed a shoulder to cry on, a laugh to share, and someone to just listen when I wanted to share things. I have counted Jeanne as a sister and want her to know I am praying for her in this time of sorrow. Josh and I send love. Barb
Jim & Sherry Jensen says
We are so sorry for your loss. Praying with you and knowing the Lord will sustain you through this.
Donna Wilson says
Gavin was a classmate of my late husband, Larry Wilson. I know how much Larry
thought of him and considered him a good friend. They shared many stories of their school
years and their time in the Navy. My thoughts and especially my prayers are with Jeanne
and their family.
Jim Morris says
In 1942 we were in first grade in Nachusa Ill. Seems like we were always getting in trouble with our teacher Miss Jacobs. Also worked at the prison but on a different shift. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family
Pat and Bill Ost says
Jeanne
Pat and Bill Ost are sorry to hear that Jim has past away. Our sympathy goes out to you and your family.