James Beckham

BECKHAM, Sr., James Gordon

James Gordon Beckham, Sr., 88, of Statham, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, in Athens.

Gordon was born in Sharpsburg, Georgia to James Otis Beckham and Mildred Sharp Beckham on May 13, 1937. After the family moved to Atlanta, Gordon attended Northside High School where he starred on the football team as a two-time All-Atlanta running back and defensive back, ultimately earning a scholarship to the University of Georgia where he played for Coach Wally Butts before injuries curtailed his career. He worked in sales and management for Lorillard Tobacco Company for 32 years.

A member of the First Baptist Church in Athens, Gordon was an avid golfer, and over a six-month stretch in 2005, he recorded a hole in one on two separate occasions. The perfect occasion for him was to be surrounded by family and friends around his grill, preparing a big meal, overlooking the pastoral beauty of his house in the country. In 2009, the Buckhead Boys honored him as Man of the Year.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joan Wages Beckham, of Statham; son, James Gordon Beckham, Jr. (Sully); daughter, Kim Alley Hill (Brian), five grandchildren: James Gordon Beckham, III (Brittany), Gwendolyn Beckham Sanford (Laddie), Grace Beckham Knotts (Griffin), Ben Hill (Savannah), Matthew Hill and nine great-grandchildren: James Gordon, IV (Jett) and Bode Beckham, Sully, Lawson and Behr Sanford, Henry and Graham Knotts, Mack and Caroline Hill; a loving sister-in-law, Connie Beckham; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Rex Hamlin Alley; brothers: James, Winfield, Charles, Curtis, and Al Beckham; sisters: LaVonne Freeman, Betty Almeida and Elaine Smith.

Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church, 355 Pulaski Street, Athens, on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with Rev. Matt Marston, officiating. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 8107, Athens, GA 30603. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to special nurses Stephanie, Patricia and Ollie.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.