Jeffrey Allan Beckham
March 24, 1948 ~ July 6, 2013
Through the grace of a merciful God our loving husband and father left peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of July 6th to continue his journey home. There he would be greeted by his dad, Joe Beckham and his mother and step-father Doris and Ken Bullock. His mother-in-law Carleen most certainly was there holding his hand to help lead the way, as he had so lovingly held hers at the time of her passing.
Jeff was born in Gary Indiana where he lived most of his childhood until moving to Houghton Lake, Michigan with Mom and Ken. There he graduated from high school and at 18 was drafted into the Army, proudly serving nearly 2 years in Vietnam. He also served with the military police while stationed in Italy and Germany. In 1970 he was honorably discharged and began romancing the love of his life, Gail Sullivan. They were married October 23, 1971, and lived in Portage, Indiana where Jeff was employed as a police officer until their move to Anaconda, Montana in 1972. They returned to Indiana prior to the birth of their first child, Jennifer. There their family grew, as they welcomed David and Heather. During that time Jeff completed his millwright apprenticeship and worked for the Budd Company. In April 1979 they moved to Riverside, California where he worked for Kaiser Steel. In 1983 the family moved to Colstrip, Montana where Jeff was employed with the Montana Power and PP&L power plant. In addition, Jeff owned and managed The Lovin Oven bakery alongside his wife Gail and mother-in-law Carleen until 1989.
After 1 ½ years of retirement, Jeff went to work for Colstrip Schools working in maintenance and as a bus driver. He enjoyed his bus driving more than any other job he held and thoroughly enjoyed that time with the students.
Jeff was a hard worker, proud family man and loyal friend. He was most proud of his Irish heritage and military service. His popular delectable variety of homemade cheesecakes will be missed by many!!
Jeff, “Something very special which I cannot define happened to me one day, when your life touched mine. The touching of our lives, especially your touching me, made me a better person, never the same to be. Sweet memories of that day, now cling without my clutching, because our paths still cross and our souls are touching. I have loved and been loved more than I thought was ever possible”. My love for eternity, Gail.
Jeff is survived by his wife Gail, son David and daughters Jennifer (Gene) Haddock, and Heather. He leaves behind six beautiful grandchildren, Owen (Kinsey), Kayla, Morgan, Emily Taylar and Kenzie; step-mother Delores Beckham, siblings Joe & Pam Beckham, Vicki Lee Burke, Kathy and Terry Benson, Michele & Paul Beausolieu, John & Sue Beckham, James & Cindy Beckham, Jerry & Marilyn Beckham, Teresa King, Jay and Melonie Beckham & Sheri Ann Brown; brothers and sisters-in-law Cary & Pat Sullivan, Leo & Mary Sullivan, Nancy Taylor & Dan & Lora Sullivan. Other survivors include numerous nieces, nephews & one very special “adopted” daughter, Brandi Bruns. He will be sorely missed by his canine shadow and best buddy, “Bailiff”.
He is preceded in death by his parents & brothers Donald &Bob and sister-in-law Carolyn.
In lieu of flowers the family wishes that donations be made in Jeffrey’s name to the Colstrip Ambulance, Rosebud County EMS, or the charity of ones choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Friday July 12, 2013
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
320 Water Ave
Colstrip, MT 59323
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday July 13, 2013
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
340 Water Ave
Colstrip, MT 59323
Reception
Following Services
Saturday July 13, 2013
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
340 Water Ave
Colstrip, MT 59323
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Friday July 12, 2013
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
320 Water Ave
Colstrip, MT 59323
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday July 13, 2013
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
340 Water Ave
Colstrip, MT 59323
Reception
Following Services
Saturday July 13, 2013
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
340 Water Ave
Colstrip, MT 59323
Share
pat & george riedel says
Gail and family, thinking of you at the hard time. jeff was a great guy and had a wonderful sense of humor and was a GREAT baker. he will be sorely missed.
Tom and Shirley Skinner says
Gail,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The right words are always hard to find at a time like this. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. You will always have your memories of him, and in your children a part of him will always be with you.
Tom and Sheryl Toscano says
Gail and family, Wow, so sorry to hear about Jeff. I just saw him and he looked good. Said he felt good. Know that we are thinking of you and sending lots of prayers your way. A good memory of Jeff was when he sang at the Pageant. He was a great singer. The tailgate parties in the neighborhood with the Tehles’ and others, great times, great memories. He will be greatly missed. Many hugs go out to you at this time.
Janelle Loyning says
Gail and Jen I’m sorry about your loss. Jeff was a great man. Hailey loved him and always said he was her favorite bus driver. God bless you and keep you.
brandi snider bruns says
Henry called me this morning with the news.im so sad for you mom and for heather Jen and david. I wish now more than ever I would have gotten there a couple of weeks ago. Dad sounded so good when I talked to him, laughing and cheerful as always. He loved you all so much and was so proud of his family. The last time I saw him was when he walked me down the isle and gave me away as his daughter. I love you all so much and pray that you find comfort somehow, be seeing you soon.
Katie Seminole says
Gail and Jen and family, I am truly sorry about the loss a wonderful man. I enjoyed his cheese cake. My thoughts and prayers are with you and if you need anything please let me know. God bless..
Ken and Jeane Stokes says
Gail we are deeply saddened to hear about Jeff’s passing. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Ken and Jeane Stokes
N perez says
Gail & family: May I offer my sincere condolences to you on the death of Jeff. May your hearts find comfort in God’s Word where it states: “He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord will wipe the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25:8) May Jeff awaken to a world where there will be peace (John 5:28,29; Psalm 37:11), no sickness (Isaiah 33:24), and no more troubles (Revelation 21:4) throughout eternity (Psalm 37:29). May your hearts find comfort and hope in God’s Word, family, friends and good memories at this time. My deepest sympathy to you.
The Cousins from Gary Indiana says
Gail; All the cousins who grew up with Jeff in Gary Indiana & Houghton Lake Michigan are incredibly sad to hear this news. What a terrible loss. Jeff was thought of very fondly @ our family reunion for Aunt Mary’s birthday on June 21 in Merrillville Indiana, which both of you were unable to attend. We missed both of you, but told wonderful stories about growing up together—& your fateful meeting at the resort. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family. Vickie & Joe, please know that our hearts are with you at this unbelievably difficult time.
With Love, Beverly, Linda, Marsha, Jackie & Karen
Irene and Ken Nelson says
We are so sad to hear about Jeff but celebrate his life and how he touched the lives of so many. I enjoyed working elections with him. He always brightened up the room. I truly enjoyed having him work at the school. He would have a smile on his face and he loved his job. His attitude was contagious and it will be missed. May the love of God, family and friends support you during this difficult time.
Dan Schmidt says
Dear Beckham Family:
I was deeply saddened when the news of Jeff’s passing reached me. Then, as I thought about his influence, that sadness turned to smiles and funny thoughts of Jeff. I will always remember him as a wonderful man who could make a fabulous cheese cake. He will be missed by everyone who met him. May your family find God’s blessings and the support of His comfort.
Donna and Lawrence McCulloch says
I was saddened to hear of Jeff’s passing, whenever I saw him at school he was always so happy and had a smile. I remember the bakery well, and those apple pie bars I had there. May you find comfort in God’s blessings, and your many happy memories sustain you in the days ahead.
Larry & Joanne Schrupp says
Gail, Jennifer, David, Heather & families…We were saddened to hear of Jeff’s sudden death. I had such a great visit with him just a couple of weeks ago in the grocery store parking lot. We hugged and talked and I made him promise to make me a another cheesecake for my birthday! Jeff was truly a good guy who thought of others and gave of himself. We will always be grateful for both of you being so willing to lend us the station wagon when my grandma died and that’s just one example of kindness and generosity. And Jeff always made you laugh even if you wanted to strangle him! You will all be in our prayers. May God bless you and grant you peace.
Gail Murray Carrick says
So sorry to hear this sad news. I graduated with Jeffery in
Houghton Lake. He was a great guy. Prayers for his family
Linda Gray says
My sister Beverly wrote something on behalf of “the cousins” but I am sitting here, still in shock and very sad (like everyone else). Many flashbacks of times at the resort at HL are coming to my mind: sitting in Twin I drinking cocoa in the morning, Jeff insisting you had to dunk your toast in it to truly enjoy the cocoa; pushing us off our inner tubes in the lake, always the prankster, but as someone else said: always making us laugh; and his absolutely beautiful singing voice. At the reunion on June 21 our cousin Doug Morrone told a cute, funny story of he and Jeff playing hide & seek with another kid staying at the resort., wondering why Jeff insisted on hiding in the other guy’s cabin!! Anyway, I was blessed to see him a few years ago at my sister’s house here in the East. So sorry Gail, Joe, Vickie and all the family. May God give you the comfort only He can give.
Marsha (Morrone) Hogan says
Dear Gail and Family ~
Please know that you are in our thoughts and our prayers. We were so saddened to hear of Jeffrey’s passing.
We were hoping to see you and him in Indiana at the little reunion time in June and of course we were sad when we heard of his surgery, but hopeful for his recovery. We did think about you both and shared some sweet memories of our times there, especially at the resort. I think it was Jeffrey who taught me to dunk my toast into my hot cocoa! And that cheese and mustard sandwiches were really good! 🙂 I’m glad he met you there during those special days! I wish I could’ve know him better since I grew up, especially reading here about his still fun personality and his baking expertise!
But I and my family can’t get you and yours out of our thoughts so please know that we are asking God to give you the peace and comfort that only He can give. “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort…” 2 Corinthians 1:2-3
May the Lord bless all of you and draw you ever closer to Himself now and in the days to come.
In Christ’s love,
Marsha (Morrone) Hogan
Doug and Debbie Skiles says
Gail, Jennifer, Heather and David, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Jeff was so happy all the time. He loved people and visiting. We remember when you lived across the street and he was always outside telling something funny and entertaining. What a great man, he will be missed. Prayers for all of you!
Nancy (Pasa) Queen says
Gail,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Jeff was a good man and loving husband and father.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Bill and Carol Berquist says
Gail and Family,
We are so very sad to hear about Jeff. It got us thinking of all the good times we had when we lived across the street from each other in Portage.
The pinochle games, Heather’s first birthday (when your families couldn’t be there because of a snow storm), Jeff and Bill sampling Christmas cookies fresh out of the oven at both houses….
Memories like those will be cherished for always. You and the family are in our hearts.
Bill and Carol Berquist
Valparaiso, Indiana
Chuck & Sara says
So sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love to your family from ours.
Dave and Vicky Saulsbury says
Gail and family,
We were out of town and we just got the news about Jeff. He stopped by the house to see us just a couple days before we left town. We were shocked and saddened at the news. He was a good man and it was an honor to have gotten to know him and work with him. Our thoughts are with you. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow. He will be missed by many.
Cathi Sopher and family says
My dearest friend;
I have so many memories of Jeff, he was very special to me as u and the kids are, forever I will truly thankful that the Lord put u all in my life.thankful for the hugs, mostly the last I got at Randy’s service….I will see u soon, love each of u and please call me if u need me…hugs cathi, Mitch,melissa & family and jeremiah and son…..
Alicia and Ryan Sperry says
So sorry for your difficult loss. Your are in our thoughts and prayers. We pray the Lord hears or prayers for peace. We our do grateful to know your family and forever connected with Emily, Heather and Kenzi in our lives. Jeff was a wonderful example of a great person and we feel blessed to be connected to such an amazing family.
Mark and Mindy Ator says
We want to pass along our condolences to the Beckham family. We truly enjoyed working with Jeff over the past two years. He always had a smile and everyone truly enjoyed his company.
Craig Lamb says
To the Becham Family Words cannot Begin to Exsress Your Feeling at
This Time of Geat Sadness! We Know Jeffery is Resting in Gods Loving arms
Now and EverMore Amen.
Larry and Susan Sperry says
Larry and I want to let you know we’re also feeling your loss and sending our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. We are once again reminded that every day is a gift and we are not in control of our lives no matter how hard we try. We feel connected to you as a “family” and wanted to let you know how sorry we are.
Tracey Walker says
Gail,
I just want you to know how very much you’re in my heart and prayers, Even though I didn’t know Jeff, it was easy to see how great your relationship was in your conversation about him. From all the comments, he was obviously loved by everyone. Take care of yourself.
:et your children and grandchilren, friends and family sustain you.
Mary Dillon says
Dear Gail and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart aches for you as I know how terrible it is to lose the one you love. Know that you are in my prayers . I pray God gives you strenght and you are comforted by family and friends I find it comforting knowing that we will see our loved ones again. God bless you. Our sincerest sympathy, Mary and Jolyn Dillon
Jean Kerr says
Dear Gail,
I am so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. I know he was the love of your life and though I only met him once, I thought he was a very nice man. He will be missed by many.
You and your family are in my prayers. May God bless you and hold you close to give you strength to through this sad time. Call upon me anytime if there is anything I can do.
Gaile says
I only met Jeff recently in rehab and was so saddened to hear of his passing. He was such fun to be around I will miss him , I know this is a terrible loss for his family. We had a common link with my name being Gaile also. Holding you all in prayer
Gerald Peltier says
Gail and family… I am so sorry for your loss… Jeffrey will be missed by soo many… Especially by our Lucky Lils clan… he was one of the best customers that we have had… when he would walk in I would say “hey jeff how are you today”… and he would reply “oh its just another wonderful day”… so enlightening of a person… and he just knew how to make someone’s day better… You will be truely missed Jeffrey… fly high with the angels… thoughts and prayers with the family… God Bless
Marty Mulcahy says
Gail, we were so surprised to hear of Jeff’s passing. We remember visiting with you and Jeff
shortly after he retired and he was so enjoying his retirement. As sad as you must be right now, we know you have years of happy memories to keep him alive in your heart. You and
your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Marty & Kay
Charlie Blevins says
I always enjoyed working with Jeff at the Plants. His retirement was much to short. Lisa and My thoughts are with the family. We cant attend since we are in Peru but our thoughts will be with Jeff and the rest of his family.
Charlie
Gladys & Cindy Stanton & families says
Gail & family
There are no words we can speak to ease the pain of the loss of your husband & father. Our hearts break for you. Please know that you are in our thoughts & prayers. May peace be with you in the time ahead until you meet again.
With sincere sympathy for your loss,
Gladys Stanton & family
Cindy Stanton & family
Grace Larson says
Gail , my thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this painful loss . Grace
Craig and Julie Park says
We love you so much Gail and your Family. All the wonderful memories will stay with us forever. Jeff has been good to all of us in Colstrip. We are here for you and your family. Jeff will be missed so much. Remember you will see him again on the other side. Stay close to our Lord and Savior Gail. Hold on tight to your children.
This part in your life if a hard one. I know that you will make it to the next part of your life that you need to fulfill. You are stong and will continue. Your children will help you through. Love you Gail
Craig and Julie Park says
We love you Gail and Family. Jeff has been good to all of us. Stay close to our Lord and Savior Gail. Hold onto your children. They will help you through this step in your life and onto the next step your need to take. Hold onto the memories they will never go away. I know you will be able to see Jeff again. Keep the Faith.
Love you
Dade and Jaylene Allison says
To Jeff’s entire family, we send our sincerest sympathies. You will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days and months to come. Jeff will be missed by many.
Jackson Craig says
To You, Gail and Your Family — God Knows your Sorrow and He Will Be With You. A loving God is with you now so place your trust in Him. For faith will be your guiding light that time can never dim, And through His mercy you will find the He will lead the way – To His own special promise of a new and brighter day.
As Jeff has provided comfort and support to You, Gail and his family as well the community through his love and cherish service sharing cheesecakes to others, as EMT to the ill and injuried and providing transportation to the new and old in their travels there and back safety. To a wonderful man, your husband, a Father, a Grandfather and the family friend. With Sincere Sympathy and Also Condolence.
Hanna Schantz says
Dear Judge Beckham and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. May God be with you and your family during this difficult time.
God Bless,
Hanna Schantz
Lee and Marian Zuelke says
Jennifer and family, I’m sure one of the x’s on my shirt size is a result of your father’s cheesecake. If there’s anyone on the planet that makes a better one, I haven’t met them! Your dad was a funny guy to be around and raised an amazing daughter. Please always remember that your “Miles City family” will always stand with you in your times of sadness. Our condolences go out to all of your family. Bless you
Lee and Marian
J Johnson says
Dear family and friends of Jeffrey Allan Beckham – Please be comforted by Bible promises at this difficult time. Be assured that it was not a part of the Creator’s purpose that people suffer and die. Everything made by God was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Death was not a part of God’s purpose but was introduced by Adam’s disobedience (Romans 5:12). There will come a time when the dead are resurrected (John 5:28, 29) and death will be no more (Revelation 21:4). Faith in Bible promises will ease our pain in the time of this loss. Treasure the many beautiful memories left by Mr. Beckham. Meanwhile we have the opportunity to be further comforted by reading about additional Bible promises (John 17:3).
Brian Neidhardt says
He was always a friend, good Scuba diving buddy and had a smile. My heart goes out to you Gail and your family. I know how it hurts to lose a good family man who loved you so but you will always have the good memories. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.