John Howard BEEBE Jr.

1933 - 2016

BEEBE, John Howard, Jr. , 83, died peacefully at home in Richmond, VA on August 18, 2016. He was born in New York City on June 1, 1933, the son of John Howard and Fannie Helmuth Beebe. Raised in New York City and Rumson, NJ, John graduated from The Hill School in Pottstown, PA, and Princeton University in 1954 where he was a member of Tiger Inn and The Triangle Club. One of John's fondest memories was touring with the Triangle Club his senior year which culminated in an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. He served two years in the U.S. Army in Germany and was discharged as a first lieutenant. He began a career in finance that spanned over 35 years, taking him from NY to Chicago, where he retired in 1998 as a Principal at William Blair & Company. John and his wife Caroline settled in Winnetka, IL in 1967 where they raised their four children and remained for over 30 years. John was a longtime member of Christ Church where he served in many roles, from Sunday school teacher to Senior Warden. A devoted father, John was an Indian Guide leader and a coach for his children's baseball, softball and hockey teams. His knowledge and love of sports, combined with his gentle demeanor endeared him to the many players he coached throughout the years. He was a member of the University Club of New York, the Union League Club of Chicago and the Society of Colonial Wars. After retiring to Richmond, VA, John indulged his lifelong passion for history by visiting battlefields, found a late in life love of gardening, and traveled extensively with his wife. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Caroline (neé Short), and their four children, Jack Beebe of Chicago, IL, Blair Beebe Smith (Harvard) of Richmond, VA, Anne Beebe of Chicago, IL, and Bill Beebe of Chesterfield, VA., three grandchildren, Sarah, Peyton and Harvard Smith, of Richmond, VA and one brother, Whitney Beebe of Midlothian, VA. He was preceded in death by his brother Tod Beebe of Rumson, NJ. A memorial service will be held Friday, October 28th at 12:00pm, Christ Church, 784 Sheridan Rd, Winnetka, IL 60093. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Leonard's Ministries, 2100 W. Warren Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612 or http://slministries.org/donations/