James Neal "Jim" Beard Jr.

James Neal "Jim" Beard, Jr, 96, passed away February 21, 2026.

Born September 10, 1929, in Dunn, North Carolina, he was the son of the late James Neal Beard, Sr. and Martha Whitesides Beard. He was a 1946 graduate of State High School in Newberry. He attended Erskine College, then returned to Newberry to work for Murray Lumber. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1951, serving as a firearm instructor at Fort Jackson until his honorable discharge in 1953. He returned to Murray Lumber, then in 1958 he graduated from the John T. McClure School of the National Hardwood Lumber Association. He was involved in the lumber business in South Carolina until 1966, when he moved to Sumter to work for Korn Industries until his retirement in 1996. In retirement he enjoyed transferring cars for dealerships all over the Southeast until the age of 93.

Jim was a lifelong, dedicated servant of God and was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Sumter. He was a dedicated Sunday School teacher, deacon, elder, and choir member. In retirement, Jim joined his wife on trips to Litchfield Beach and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He was known for his bathroom humor, making sweet tea, and declaring every meal the best he'd ever had.

Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife of almost 75 years, Eleanor Boozer Beard; his sons, James Neal Beard, III (Lynn) and Edward Boozer Beard of Columbia. He is also survived by granddaughters, Gracie Harrington Epler (Jordan), of Philadelphia; Katharine Beard Hartmann (Thomas) of West Columbia, and Mary Martha Beard of Summerville. He leaves one great-grandson, Rory James Epler of Philadelphia. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Marcelle Ackerman of Prosperity and brother-in-law, Michael Boozer of Columbia. He is also survived by many nephews, nieces, and friends.

A private memorial service will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be contributed to First Presbyterian Church of Sumter.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.