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BORN
1954
DIED
2019
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James Beard Obituary
Jacksonville, IL—Early in the morning of Thursday, December 19, 2019, Jim Beard, 65, went to sleep at his home in Ogden, IL, and woke up in Glory with his Jesus. He escaped his earthly trials of congestive heart failure and Parkinson's Disease and found freedom.
Jim was born August 4, 1954, in Jacksonville, the son of Robert Lee and Violet Davis Beard.
He is survived by one sister and two brothers, Linda (Gary) Stanberry of Champaign, IL, Joel (Tabitha) Beard of Lincoln, IL, and Noel (Kathleen) Beard of Jacksonville. Many nieces and nephews are left to remember Uncle Jim as well as a gaggle of cousins.
Jim was a graduate of Jacksonville High School, class of 1974. He worked at Elm City Rehabilitation Center for many years starting in 1976. He was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Jacksonville and was very active in Special Olympics. Mr. Beard even participated in basketball at the International Special Olympics in 1987 at South Bend, IN, representing the State of Illinois.
After Jim moved to the Ogden area, he continued to participate in Special Olympics and attended the day program at Developmental Services Center in Champaign. He attended the Ogden Nazarene Church and looked forward to the first Sunday of the month which was Potluck Sunday.
A special thanks to the Curtis House Group Home in Ogden for their love and care towards Jim his entire stay with them especially his last days.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, December 28th at 1pm at the Ogden Nazarene Church, 206 Market St, Ogden, IL. Visitation will follow at 2pm.
A Memorial Service will be held at a future date in Jacksonville, with private interment at Memorial Lawn Cemetery.
In-lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Ogden Nazarene Church or Developmental Services Center.
Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Beard
Sponsored by Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home - Jacksonville Chapel.
Susie Bauser [Ransom]
January 2, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Cindy llLohr
December 27, 2019
I worked with James at DSC. There were many times that he made me laugh and smile. May you find comfort and peace during this difficult time. James will be deeply missed at DSC.
CHERI CLEMENT
December 27, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. What a great guy Jimmy was,I feel blessed to have known him. Always a word of greeting and checking in on you. We first met at 1st Baptist Church many years ago. He will be missed. Take care.
Lisa Riegel
December 27, 2019
My deepest sympathies to Linda and the entire family.
Damon Smith
December 26, 2019
James was a great man taught many things in our short time together. I will never forget him he will always be in my heart... rest easy old friend... my prayers to the family love u all
Disa Lowe
December 26, 2019
Jim was a wonderful soul. Even though I only knew him a year he was such a delight. I will always think of him while eating crab ragoon or listening to God Bless the USA.
Kelly Reese
December 26, 2019
Linda I was blessed to know your brother!! James was a great guy! I really enjoyed the time I got to spend with him as his staff! I will miss his jokes, his piano playing and our chats! He will be missed!
Karen Downs
December 24, 2019
To all of Jim's loved ones,
I was very sad to hear of Jim's passing! My family and I have fond memories from our days shared at First Baptist. My daughter was reminiscing about playing handbells with Jim. And yes, potluck Sunday was always Jim's favorite there too! You have all been so good to Jim all of his life and he loved his family so much! May you find comfort in knowing he is healthy and happy in heaven!
December 24, 2019
So sorry to hear about Jim's passing.
He was a big part of my family's life growing up on Allen Ave. Your family is in our prayers . Becky Hickey Shay
Jacquie & Willie Stewart
December 23, 2019
I grew up at First Baptist Church with Jimmy. He always loved to sing The Old Rugged Cross!
Rest In Peace old friend, Im sure God has made a special place for you in his house!
Robert Rinaldo
December 21, 2019
He was my House mate back 10 years ago we . Lived for 15 years before we both moved our separate ways and then his Dad died seen James Beard at his Dad's Funeral at the Buchanan Cody's Funeral in Jacksonville IL a few years ago found out that Jim that was his nickname I helped keep an eye on things over on 501 sth Fayette St Jacksonville IL . James Ralf Beard was well known and well liked and loved . About his Musical Talent aswell . We will sher miss James Beard is in a better place . And will be able to look down on us . Now ever time you hear a Christmas song you may stop and thank about Jimmy and his Organ playing as well as singing from the Heart not by song sheets .
Nancy Lewis
December 21, 2019
Noel and Kathleen, please accept our condolences. I work with Jim at Elm City Center and found him to be fun-loving and well liked by everyone. I remember my first day there that he was one of the first people I met.☺
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Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home - Jacksonville Chapel1100 Lincoln Ave., Jacksonville, IL 62650
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