Dr. James B. Beard

BRYAN, Texas — Dr. James B. Beard passed away May 14, 2018, in Bryan, Texas, at the age of 82.

Dr. Beard was born on September 24, 1935, in Piqua, Ohio, to James Hart and Margaret Bashore Beard and grew up on the family farm near Bradford, Ohio. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy. He married the love of his life, Harriet Jean Coon, in 1955. James and wife Harriet, then decided to continue his education with a Master of Science in Crop Ecology and Ph.D. in Turfgrass Physiology from Purdue University.

Dr. Beard spent most of his career in the field of Soil and Crop Sciences where he was known as a legend. He blazed trails of critical research that would later develop into new fields of study. From the start of his career as a professor, first at Michigan State University, and later at Texas A&M University, he touched the lives of every student that passed through his classes. His love of crop sciences can still be seen in his students today. From the start of his career in 1953, his research set new standards in the world of Soil and Crop Sciences where he received numerous distinguished awards including the Veitch Honour Medal of the Royal Horticultural Society, Honorary Doctorate of Agriculture honoris causa from Purdue University, James B. Beard Turfgrass Collection dedicated at Michigan State University Library, Distinguished Alumni Award from The Ohio State University, American Library Association Oberly Award which he received twice, plus numerous other industry awards.

Dr. Beard authored nine published books, dozens of manuals, and hundreds of technical articles and research papers. Dr. Beard also sat on the Board of Directors of The Scotts Company and many other National Committees.

Jim, as his friends and family knew him, loved to travel the world with his family. But his favorite place was the lakehouse on Lake Leelanau, Michigan. His favorite part of summers on the lake were fishing and exploring Michigan with his family.

Jim is survived by his wife, Harriet; sons, James C. Beard of College Station, Texas, and John Beard of Dallas, Texas; granddaughter, Amanda and husband Rusty Harrison of Waco, Texas; sister, Shirley Crotcher of Versailles, Ohio; nieces, Kim and husband Milian Pozderac of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, Kelly and husband Travis Fliehman of Greenville, Ohio, Kristi and husband John Kaiser of Versailles, Ohio.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Peggy Beard.

A graveside service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on May 21, at Greenville Creek United Church of Christ Cemetery near Bradford. All are welcome to attend and celebrate James's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The American Heart Association.