Russell James "Jim" Beach

Russell James "Jim" Beach, 87 of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully, with his family at his side, at Glenn Arbor Hospice Residence on Saturday, November 21, 2020. Jim was born November 16, 1933 in Flint, Michigan the son of Russell Eugene and Delene (Derby) Beach. He grew up in Flint and graduated from Flint Northern High School. Jim honorably served his country in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956. He attended Kellogg Community College and Michigan State University. Jim was employed as a nursing assistant for 22 years at the Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Medical Center and then worked as a bagger for 12 years at Zucca's - Felpausch Grocery Store. Russell James Beach was united in marriage to Verna G. Houser on April 4, 1965 in Battle Creek. Surviving are Verna, Jim's wife of 55 years; a niece, Amy (Kirk) Cooper of Escanaba; a nephew, Michael (Rob Miley) McGinty of San Francisco; a brother-in-law, Mark Glendon; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob and Margaret McGinty of Escanaba; a great niece, great nephew, cousins and their families, church friends and neighbors. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Gail Glendon. Jim was a longtime member and former treasurer of First Church of Christ, Scientist. He was a member of the ILR Institute of Learning for Retirees at Kellogg Community College. He enjoyed walking and especially walking the beach; working on computers and reading. Jim loved everybody and everything. He will be remembered as a beloved and gentle man. A committal service and military honors to celebrate Jim's life will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Church of Christ, Scientist, 45 Calhoun St., Battle Creek, MI 49037, or to Hospice Care of SW Michigan for Glen Arbor Hospice Residence, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.