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Julie Hart Schutte
July 2, 2023
Jean and family,
My heart goes out to you. Jim was such an amazing person. I have such fond memories of my time as a student and then employee at DWU during Jim´s tenure. From his nickname for me, Juje, to his warm smile when he saw you every single time, to his amazing skill at remembering names and details about all of his students, the man was such a hero to so many.
Jim was not afraid to go along with a joke, too, such as at my class´s graduation in Sioux Falls when we all gave him a red rock as we went on stage to receive our diplomas. That still brings a smile to my face.
When I worked in DWU Admissions, we used to talk about the Wesleyan family to prospective students, the special welcoming atmosphere of the college - and that had a lot to do with Jim´s style of leadership. We were like his family. I´m so very appreciative of having had Jim as a role model for what a leader should be.
My deepest condolences to all who are feeling his loss.
Julie Hart Schutte
Class of 1989
DWU Admissions 89-93
Rev. Cindy Hoy
June 29, 2023
Jim joined the leadership team at the Ev. Lutheran Good Samaritan Society National Campus in Sioux Falls in the mid-1990´s. I was one of the pastors for the Society at the time - newly ordained and new to ministry leadership. Jim´s encouragement enabled me to find my voice and to lead confidently. I have no doubt many others can attribute their success to Jim´s mentoring and kind support. His impact on those of us who worked alongside him at Good Samaritan will never be forgotten.
May God´s love and grace surround you all and bring a measure of comfort.
Jenn Dice
June 29, 2023
I loved Jim Beddow.
Jim gave me my first "real job" out of USD - working on his gubernatorial campaign with Jana, Jay, Jean, Hilde, Granholm, et al. It was the time of our lives - never did we work so hard and believe in a man so much. Spending a year on the road with Jim and the campaign team are memories I will cherish forever as well as growing up around the Beddow household with debate team practice sessions at their kitchen table.
At such a young age, and right out of school, I really looked up to Jim and his quick humor, deep thinking, and vision for South Dakota. That he cared enough to roll up his sleeves, do the work, and be part of the solution. I wanted to someday be a leader like him and make him proud.
He left a profound legacy in his children and grand children and also for Mitchell, DWU, and the state of South Dakota in his rural economic development work.
Stuart and I are Alesund, Norway, and tonight we will toast two IPA´s to Jim Beddow. We will think of the many people that we love that are all together, celebrating this man that meant so much to us.
We love you Jim and will keep loving Jana, Jay, and Jean and all your grandkids in your honor. As my dad wrote when he heard the terrible news, "Really one of the good people trying to make a difference in this world."
Aaron Matson
June 28, 2023
I'm so sorry to hear of your family's loss. Jim was actually the first political candidate I met way back at the Teen Democrat Camp in 1994. I was glad to get to meet him and Jean and work together through the Minnehaha Dems. You are in my prayers!
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David Ardrey
June 28, 2023
To the Beddow family,
I had the privilege to serve with Jim on the RSC board and watched him support rural and small schools with care, concern and compassion. He always asked about Illinois rural schools when we met and he kept track of many, many states and rural schools. We have lost a true advocate for rural schools and more importantly a true friend and wonderful human being.
My condolences and prayers- David Ardrey, Executive Director - Assoc. of IL. Rural and Small Schools
Dr. Rich & Gayla Meyer
June 27, 2023
Our condolences go to the extended Beddow family and especially to Jean. Jim was my Delta Tau Delta pledge father and was a mentor to me. The Arlington connection made us feel like family. The "Celebration of his Life" will be awesome and encouraging and enhance his memory for all of us. It´s a blessing to know he´s with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Sylvia J Street
June 27, 2023
Jim was always a person of remarkable thoughts. I was most appreciative of his leadership at DEU while my son was a student. He was so kind and welcoming to students and their families. His continued presence at DWU was always a mark of his faithfulness. As an educational colleague in South Dakota I always enjoyed interaction with Jim. Jean and family, your love and admiration of him is a blessing for us all. God be with you, Sylvia Adams Street
Jerry & Gladys Hall
June 26, 2023
Our deepest sympathies to the Beddow family. Jim was such a kind man. His ability to remember individuals and his friendly greetings always made you feel special. He will always be fondly remembered.
Gary and Jana Funk
June 26, 2023
Jean and Family,
We are so saddened by Jim's passing. His thoughtfulness and good heart meant so much to so many folks in places hither and yon. His passion and caring is remembered well beyond the borders of South Dakota. Please take care.
Norman Starr
June 26, 2023
This is one of those times that I really don't know what to say. I'm sure that others that knew him but had lost close contact with him feel the same way. I am sure that many who grew up in Woonsocket during the 50s will have the same thoughts as I in that Jim was not only a friend, he was the best friend that I had during my high school years. To those in his family, Please accept my condolences. This world is a better place because Jim was a part of it.
Melissa Bien
June 26, 2023
So sorry to hear of Jim's sudden passing. We will always remember Jim as a warm and welcoming face at church. Prayers to you during this difficult time.
Marianne Inman
June 26, 2023
Very sad to learn this news. My sincere sympathies to all his family.
David Heetland
June 26, 2023
Dear Jean, Jana, and Jay,
Kathy and I are deeply saddened to learn of Jim's death. We first met when he became president at DWU. He greatly influenced my life when he invited me to become VP for Development--even though I had no development experience--and he became my development mentor. I later became VP for Development at Garrett Seminary in Evanston, IL and told our president that Jim would make a great trustee--and he did! We so enjoyed reconnecting and hosting him in our home when he came in for trustee meetings. It was a joy to see our friendship deepen over the years. He was a very special person and he will be deeply missed. Our prayers are with you all at this time of loss.
David Heetland
Jody Strand
June 26, 2023
So sorry to hear about his passing. He was such a wonderful caring man. He touched so many lives. There isn't one employee at DWU during his presidency whose lives he did not touch positively. Our lose but heaven's gain!
Mark Schlaffman
June 26, 2023
My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family during this time! He was a great man and it was a pleasure to know him.
Rodney Hall
June 26, 2023
My sympathy to his family.
Rodney Hall
Rocky VonEye
June 26, 2023
So sad to read about Jim's death. He was such a strong supporter of education. He encouraged me in every way possible to complete my doctorate degree and to apply for grants and fellowships. He and Jean hosted many 'banana splits at Beddows' events. The students loved it. I think the most amazing thing about Jim was that he remembered everyone's name after meeting them once. He would greet new students by name and they would comment in amazement 'How does he remember all of us.' Rest in Peace my special friend. Rocky
Beth Kroger
June 26, 2023
As a young and very inexperienced administrator, I so appreciate and still use many of the life and professional lessons Jim so generously shared with me. He was truly a great leader. My sincere condolences to Jean, Jay and Jana and their families as well as all those who knew and loved Jim.
Pat Clark
June 26, 2023
Jean and family, so sorry to hear about Jim´s passing. Always enjoyed his upbeat personality and zest for life. Hoping each of you will find a way forward with fond memories. Pat Clark
Donald E. Messer
June 26, 2023
Bonnie and I are deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Jim's passing. I was thrilled when he was selected to follow me as President of Dakota Wesleyan University in 1981, because I had worked closely with him in our Colleges of MId-America Consortium. I knew he would be an outstanding president--and he was! We always admired him and Jean and were grateful for their leadership at Dakota Wesleyan. We grew up as neighbors--he in Woonsocket and me in Kimball--boys of the prairie, who understood the unique and invaluable role DWU plays in the state's history. Thank you for a life-well lived! Our love and prayers are with the family.
Lisa Rentschler
June 26, 2023
It was such a pleasure to meet Jim and Jean when I attended DWU. He was a great leader. You will be missed.
Lisa (Pekas) Rentschler
Teri
June 26, 2023
Such a caring & loving dad. Always with a huge smile on his face. Sending many hugs & prayers
Amy Puetz Novak
June 26, 2023
I first met Jim while working on high school debate cases in the Beddow's basement. Even then, he asked great questions, made us think more critically, and analyze more thoughtfully the content we were curating. Years later, as I served as president of DWU, I remained incredibly grateful for Jim's mentorship, guidance, passion for rural South Dakota, and gracious support of me both personally and professionally. We shared the joys and challenges of leading small colleges. Jim approached life with vision and humility. He leaves a deep and special mark on all of us. My prayers are with the entire family during this time.
TONY MORRISON
June 26, 2023
Jim was a special man as the President of DWU when I first met him. He had a special gift in remembering every student at the University and something about them. When he saw you on campus - he always called you by your first name or a special nick-name he gave you. A special event for all incoming freshman was Bananas at Beddows. God bless all the Beddows at this sad time. May your hearts be filled with special memories as you celebrate Jim´s amazing life!
Tee (special name given to me by Jim Beddow).
Tony Morrison class of 1989
Jan Quenzer
June 26, 2023
I´m sad to learn of Jim´s passing. So many memories!!! Bless you all!!!
Rose Reinhart
June 26, 2023
I was blessed to work with him for several years at Dakota Wesleyan. He was kind, and funny, and smart, and dedicated to Wesleyan. Many of my decisions in higher education have been prefaced with, 'What would Dr. Beddow do'? I send my sincere sympathy and condolences to Jean, Jay, and Jana.
Ann Schulte
June 25, 2023
Gosh, I am so sad about this news. I met Jim when I walked door to door with him during his gubernatorial campaign. Two decades later we randomly reconnected through rural schools advocacy. What a tremendous mind and heart he had. My sincerest condolences to Jay, Jana, and Jean.
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