James Beckman

1936 - 2025

James Beckman, age 88, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away on Monday, March 18, 2025.

He was born on May 3, 1936, in Gary, Indiana, to Edward and Sabina Beckman, who both preceded him in death.

James is survived by his loving wife, Mary Tobar; children, Robert (Cathy) Beckman, Elizabeth Engelbrecht, Cheryl (Doug) Hayes, James (Maryann) Beckman and Jacquelyn Beckman; fortunate step-children, Ann (Tom) Roush and Stephen Tobar; grandchildren, Michael, Kristen, Jack, Lindsay, Carla, Lisa, Matthew, Emily, Sarah, Rachel, Dominic and Abby; 19 great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Pictor; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Donna Beckman; brother, John Beckman; and sisters, Lucille Davis, Carolyn Anello and Catherine Ochs.

Jim's faith was the guiding force of his life and family. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Peter's Catholic Church, where he volunteered organizing pancake breakfasts, as an usher, lector and eucharistic minister.

James spent his working life in the baking industry.

As a younger man he was a volunteer firefighter, serving his community for the village of Lansing. He loved spending time with his family, playing cards with his buddies at Knights of Columbus and building puzzles at home. He was an avid gardener, loved all of his flowers, especially his roses. He also loved bird watching – delighted by the hummingbirds outside his window.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Essling Funeral Home, located at 1117 Indiana Ave., La Porte, IN 46350, with a rosary service at 6 p.m. Additional visitation will be on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church, located at 1101 Michigan Ave., La Porte, IN 46350. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Geisen-Carlisle Funeral Home, located at 613 Washington St. Michigan City, IN 46360.

Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Peter's Catholic Church, American Heart Association or American Cancer Society.

Interment will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at St. Mary's Cemetery located at 810 W. South St., Crown Point, IN 46307.

To view or sign Jim's guestbook, please visit carlislefh.com, 219-874-4214.