Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
About
James Beard! Obituary
James (Jim) Dale Beard! 82, of Blue Springs, MO passed away October 23, 2023 at Wilshire at Lakewood after a brief illness. Cremation is planned with a memorial gathering to be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 1-4:00 pm at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St, Independence, MO 64055.
Jim was born January 10, 1941 in Ottawa, KS to Royal and Berniece (Paxton) Beard. Jim grew up in Sugar Creek, MO and graduated from Van Horn High School in 1959. He worked for several different companies as a mechanical engineer.
Jim was a kid at heart and enjoyed interacting with children from impersonating Santa Claus to waving or growling at them in restaurants. He spent many years with the Youth Friends program reading with students weekly at Benton Elementary School.
Jim was truly passionate about many things in his life, but most of all his children, grandchildren, and his 1940 Ford Business Coupe. He loved his street rod and the community that it brought to him. The support and love that surrounded Jim from these friends was incredible. Please know that Jim’s family recognizes and appreciates the love and joy you brought our Dad.
Jim is survived by 4 children, Julie Beard, Jim Beard (Kerri), Christina Beard, and Jennifer Cook (Tim), a brother, Tom, 6 grandchildren, James, Kalli, Kyra, Ren, Belies and Jonah, great-nephew, Mik and many nieces and nephews, friends he considered family and ex-spouse, Trudy.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with James
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for James Beard!
Tell your own story about James
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Make a Donation
in James Beard!'s name
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Beard!'s life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more