Jae N. Beckmeyer

Jae N. Beckmeyer (Clarkston and Portage, Michigan)

Jae N. Beckmeyer, 27, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in Portage, Michigan, where she lived while attending the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. Jae was born on June 13, 1997, and grew up in Clarkston and Davisburg, Michigan. She brought joy into the lives of her family and friends, and she is profoundly missed.

Her parents were proud of their wonderful daughter, who nurtured strong friendships and achieved many accomplishments. Jae was deeply loved by her mother, Linda; her late father, Richard “Rick”; her brother, Eric; and his wife, Sara. Jae is missed by many special friends in the Clarkston area and friends and classmates in medical school.

As a child Jae was creative, fun-loving, adventurous, fearless and smart. She carried these characteristics into adulthood and became a young woman who was also analytical and organized and who set and achieved many goals, all while still making time for her family and close friends. She was an avid reader, deep thinker, and a curious student of life. Her love for books included the classics, philosophy and self-development, among other topics. Her love for reading began as a little girl, and family members recall watching her get off the school bus and reading a book as she walked the familiar way home.

Jae was kind and generous – a friend to so many. Friends and family frequently sought her counsel. She listened, helped friends without being judgmental, celebrated the wins of others, and lifted friends in times of need. Friends described her as a healing soul. Regardless of where life took her friends – near or far – she stayed connected and took a genuine interest in their lives.

Jae will be remembered for moving fast and with purpose. She was a quick study not only of facts in books but also of people and life. She was self-taught in many areas and friends considered her a jack of all trades. When she set her mind to tackle a new skill or solve a tough problem, she approached it with resolve – examining, questioning, studying and learning every step of the way. She enjoyed games – board games and electronic gaming – where she could interact with people.

She was creative and intelligent. Jae was skilled with software and could solve technical issues. Creatively, she took photos, sewed, and tried painting, sketching and glass art. Jae learned to crochet on her own and made many gifts for her friends and family. Her most recent hobby was growing houseplants. She often showed her love through giving gifts and sharing food.

In high school and college, Jae had several part-time, long-term jobs at restaurants and as a medical assistant at an eye care office. At work, she was known for problem analysis and problem solving, excellent customer service, a great organizer who took initiative, and as a young woman who got things done with care and efficiency. She planned her weeks with great detail, always trying to make room for some fun with friends among the studying that was needed for medical school.

At med school, she went above and beyond. She never hesitated to help others. Her support, encouragement and kindness made classmates feel special. She inspired people and made a positive impact at the school.

After attending Clarkston Schools, Jae graduated with an associate in science degree, Magna Cum Laude, from Oakland Community College; she was on the Dean’s List every semester and became a member of Phi Theta Kappa, an honor society. She was elected Treasurer and Secretary of the Gamers’ Alliance, where she met many friends. She then transferred to Oakland University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, Magna Cum Laude, and was awarded Departmental Honors.

Jae was currently in her second year of medical school. During one of the blocks in her first year of med school, she was trained as an Emergency Medical Responder and is listed on the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians; she was thrilled to go through the training. In her first year of med school, she was proud to be elected to the Student Council and to serve her fellow students.

Jae was predeceased by her father, Rick, and her grandparents, Owen and Irene Beckmeyer and Arden “Ben” and Helen Pacey. She is survived by aunts and uncles Bruce (Karen) Pacey, Lauri (Tom) Edwards, and David (Angela) Pacey and by cousins: Dani Pacey; Autumn Edwards; and Matthew (Darylee) Yandle, Heather (Dan) Bowling, Abby Pacey and Bree Pacey. Her great aunt Margaret Boger also survives.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home in Clarkston, Michigan, with a private burial held at Lakeview Cemetery.