James Albert Beagan

James Albert Beagan, 73, died peacefully on February 3. Jim, who lived much of his adult life with Multiple Sclerosis, was diagnosed with ALS in December 2024. He never let these challenges define him, living each day with strength and grace. Jim became a passionate advocate for disability rights, testifying at hearings at the Massachusetts State House and serving on Methuen’s Commission on Disabilities. From 2017-2025, he and Deb Blood hosted “Yes We Can: In the Know About Disability,” an award-winning Methuen Community Studios program. Jim asked that “everyone help those with disabilities live as best we can, so that we can enjoy the good things and make contributions just like everyone else.” His voice reminded the community that people who are differently abled lead full and meaningful lives.

Jim was born in Cranston, Rhode Island, son of Daniel and Frances (Biernacki) Beagan. He was class valedictorian at Bishop Hendricken High School and graduated from Brown University magna cum laude and as a member of the Phi Beta Kapp Society. He received an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Business. Jim worked as a business consultant at Exxon and Sylvania, prior to retiring. Upon retiring, in addition to his advocacy for the disabled, Jim focused on his passions which included his Church, his garden, his family and friends, and his love of music.

Jim, who resided in Methuen, Massachusetts, was an active parishioner at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church where he served as a lector and church treasurer. His faith guided him, particularly the Story of Job. His spiritual community was a cornerstone of his life in later years.

He was blessed with a green thumb – he loved the perennial garden that graced his home, and the countless plants he nurtured inside.

Jim treasured his family and friends. He is survived by his partner of twenty-five years, Robert Burke of Gloucester, MA, and his siblings – Dan and his wife Sandy, John, Kevin and his wife Lori, and Marianne and her husband, Tim. His nephews – Ryan, Jason, Patrick, Brian, Greg, Charlie, and his niece, Lucy, adored spending time with their “cool” uncle. Jim’s cousins were a constant source of love, as were friends from Methuen, Brown, and the Kellogg School. He belonged to several book clubs, reading multiple books at a time, becoming quite close to his Methuen librarian, Krista.

Music was an important part of Jim’s life. He was constantly playing music, having vast collections both on vinyl and compact disc. His musical interests were broad, loving classical, jazz, early rock, and alternative music. He spoke excitedly about concerts he attended including early Rolling Stone concerts, classical concerts at Tanglewood and the Boston Esplanade, and local rock shows of favorites like the Atlantics at Boston clubs – he was saddened when his beloved WFNX went off the air. Jim not only enjoyed music, but he also had an encyclopedic knowledge of a song’s history, its lyrics, and even its album side. Jim shared that “music has always been a source of joy and connection!”

A funeral service and life celebration will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 90 Broadway, Methuen, MA. Lunch will follow in the church hall. 

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to:
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
90 Broadway
Methuen, MA 01844
www.standrewsmethuen.org
and/or
The Nevins Public Library
305 Broadway
Metheun, MA 01844
www.nevinslibrary.org

The Beagan family plans to contribute to the gardens at Lincoln’s Care Dimensions Hospice House in Jim’s honor, where Jim was lovingly cared for in his final days.

Arrangements are under the care of Concord Funeral Home, 74 Belknap Street, Concord, MA 01742 978-369-3388 www.concordfuneral.com