James Michael "Mike" Beaty

James Michael "Mike" Beaty, 81, of Pikeville, Kentucky, passed away on November 9, 2025, at Pikeville Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Mike was born on November 4, 1944, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Clellie Ted Beaty and Mary Florence Woods, and was raised in Garrard County, Kentucky, where his strong work ethic, humor, and love for family first took root. He made his home in Pikeville, where he spent his later years surrounded by friends, faith, and the community he loved. He was truly one of a kind - a character full of life, laughter, and heart. He loved to joke, pull pranks, and could tell a story like no one else. His quick wit and mischievous grin could light up any room, and his storytelling had a way of bringing people together - usually with everyone laughing until they cried. Mike graduated from Camp Dick Robinson High School in 1962 and began his career with IBM before following his passion and natural talent for craftsmanship by founding Mike's Drywall, which he proudly operated throughout his adult life. Known for his exceptional skill and hard work, he left his mark on countless homes and projects across the region. Never one to slow down, Mike continued to work well into his later years as a patient sitter at Pikeville Medical Center, where he found great joy in caring for others. He loved his coworkers deeply and cherished the friendships he made there. He was a very active member of Victory Baptist Church in Pikeville and found great fulfillment in spreading the gospel to others. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, guiding him to serve others with kindness, humility, and joy. Mike was preceded in death by his best friends - his beloved wife, Linda Akers Beaty, and his son, Michael Scott Beaty - as well as his sister, Linda Nevius. He is survived by his daughters Lorie Leech (Chris) and Angel Hall (Jason); stepdaughters Robin Gilliam (James) and Rachel Akers (Adam); grandchildren Casey Reed, Cody Reed, Kaylee Walker, Matthew Roaden, Austin Hall, Eli Hall, Summer Beaty, Courtney Newsome, Chase Keen, Casen Phillips, and Cooper Phillips; 14 great-grandchildren; and his sister Brenda Durham (Bobby). He also leaves behind a large extended family, being especially close to his Aunt Edith Henson and nephew Bryan Nevius. His daughters will miss him tremendously and will forever cherish his laughter and his stories. He is also survived by friends too numerous to count. Mike lived his life with humor, compassion, and an open heart. He worked hard, loved deeply, and never met a stranger. His family will miss his many phone calls and taking him out to eat - especially for ice cream, which was always his favorite treat. Visitation will be in the J.W. Call Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2025, in the J.W. Call Funeral Home Chapel, with Carl Harville and Edgar McKinney officiating. Burial will follow in the Akers Family Cemetery on Left Fork of Island Creek, Pikeville, Kentucky. "Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23