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BORN
1959
DIED
2025
John Beam Obituary
Beam's career spanned more than four decades. He began coaching in 1979 and moved to Oakland's Skyline High School in 1982, eventually serving as head coach there and compiling a record of 160–33–3. He joined Laney College as running backs coach in 2004, became head coach in 2012 and later served as athletic director.
Under his leadership, the Laney Eagles captured the California Community College Athletic Association championship in 2018 and maintained a graduation-and-transfer rate approaching 90 percent for his players. His program also produced at least 20 athletes who went on to play in the NFL.
In 2020, Beam and the Laney Eagles were featured in the fifth season of the Netflix documentary series "Last Chance U," which introduced him to a national audience and highlighted his work with young men often overlooked by others.
Oakland's mayor, Barbara Lee, described him as "a giant in Oakland – a mentor, an educator, and a lifeline for thousands of young people." She continued, "[f]or over 40 years, he has shaped leaders on and off the field."
Beam's legacy is best reflected not in his win-loss record but in the countless lives he touched. He gave second chances, built trust, and believed in athletes long after others had placed limitations on them.
By Legacy News Staff
(Image: Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images)
12 Entries
Mary Moffett
Yesterday
May God bless the family of John Beam. He touched the lives of so many people especially young people. Coach Beam is truly loved and respected. He will always live in the hearts of many people, therefore he will rest in peace.
Kevin Harris
November 20, 2025
Peace and love and condolences to his family
RB
November 20, 2025
An amazingly successful coach whose career spanned decades and helped many players go on to play in the NFL. His talent as coach was well known as well as his dedication to the sport and helping others on and off the field. His loss will be felt by so many. Heartfelt condolences to the Beam family. So very sorry for your loss. May God be with you all at this very difficult time of your loss.
Becky Hsieh
November 19, 2025
First and foremost, I would like to take a moment to thank and express the utmost gratitude to Coach Beam's wife, Cindi, his two daughters and extended families for sharing your husband, your father, your grandfather, father-in-law all these years with Laney College, Skyline High School, Oakland and the greater East Bay. Deepest condolences and prayers to you and the families at this great loss that deeply impact you and all of us in so many ways and levels that is goes beyond all the tributes could ever possibly be said about "Coach Beam"! Coach was a legend to sooooo many, thousands upon thousands! He touched many lives, including those who not athletes, male and female,--he was about people! Needless to say because he was a coach around the greater Bay Area, many athletes were and still are indebted to his insights, love, dedication, mentorship, friendship, guidance---just being John Beam! There truly is not enough adjectives to describe Coach and what he meant to all of us. I was fortunate to have worked with Coach in different venues, activities and committees when he first came to Laney as a pup (he still had black hair & mustache---LOL!) Coach will always be in my heart and memory as in many of you out there. Again, condolences & prayers to Coach Beam's families and many, many friends out there through these very trying times! Much love, respect, and remembrance always! Thank you for being a part of our lives and community at large. Rest well, Coach....until we meet again! 2 clap, ready, ready, Angel Coach up!!
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Michael Barrera
November 19, 2025
Deep in my heart condolences to Cindi and the entire Beam Family, the Laney extended community and all people who hold a special place in their hearts for John. Shout out to all his Kearny Komet friends who are hurting too.
Corinna Mangum
November 19, 2025
I´m so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace and may God bring comfort to your family !!
Kristen
November 19, 2025
Condolences to the Beam family and to the greater Oakland community. Coach Beam was a great man, a legend!
Leo Smite
November 19, 2025
My condolences to your family. Beam"s memories will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. May you seek comfort from God during this difficult time.
Steve Mooshagian
November 18, 2025
Thank you John for all you did for Community College Football! It was an Honor to Share the Field of Battle with you during the 2018 State Championship Game! Even though we lost that day your humility and grace will never be forgotten! I always appreciated our conversations thru the years, going to miss you my friend.
May you Rest in Heaven till we meet again!
Faye Smith
November 18, 2025
My condolences to John´s family and friends. I worked with John at Skyline High School. He was all about his kids. Cherish your memories.
DE
November 18, 2025
My deepest sympathy to John´s family and friends. May the fond memories of your loved one always be cherished.
Jim Link
November 18, 2025
I worked the summer of 1985 for the San Francisco Conservation Corps. I was one of three site supervisors, including John. That guy was only 25 years old, but he had all the self confidence and energy in the world! His was a life well lived! I KNOW his corps members remember and think highly of him. My best to his family with their loss.
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