James Raymond Beaver

1941 - 2023

James Raymond Beaver, 82, formerly of Rensselaer, passed away in Naples, Fla., on July 3, 2023.

Jim was born in Indianapolis on May 27, 1941, to the late Ernest Raymond MD and Frances Jeannette (Chapman) Beaver. He married his beloved Carole Jean Courtright in Indianapolis, on Nov. 24, 1962.

Jim graduated from Rensselaer High School with class of 1959, and Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science degree, and a JD degree from Indiana University School of Law in 1968.

After law school, Jim managed the campaign office of a candidate for Indiana's 2nd Congressional District. Upon winning, he and Carole moved to Washington D.C. where Jim served as Administrative Assistant. Jim enjoyed the work on Capitol Hill immensely but eventually his passion for practicing law won out.

In 1970, Jim, Carole, and their new daughter Shannon left Washington D.C. and returned to their hometown, Rensselaer. Jim remained active in politics, serving as the Jasper County Republican Chairman for several years in the 1970s.

Jim and U.S. Rep. Charles J. Halleck (retired) founded the law firm of Halleck and Beaver, P.C. During his 46 years of legal practice, Jim served as the Jasper County Attorney and represented the Jasper County Board of Commissioners, the Jasper County Board of Aviation Commissioners, and the Jasper County Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. Jim additionally provided general legal services to countless area residents. Always a gentleman, Jim practiced law with dignity and humility, uplifting the legal profession in his own way-by setting excellence as his own personal standard, and by extending every courtesy to those he met along the way. To Jim, everyone's personal situation was important, and the outcome mattered only if obtained by diligence and fairness. In 2010, Jim's son Eric joined the practice, and the firm was renamed Beaver & Beaver P.C. Jim retired from the practice of law in 2016, and Jim and Carole retired in Naples, Fla.

During their many years on Home Avenue, Erin and Eric were born and all three children later graduated from his alma mater with Erin also earning a law degree. Jim enjoyed fishing at the nearby family lake and any lake where the fish were biting. He was an avid golfer who loved spending time golfing with his buddies at Curtis Creek Country Club. Fall meant the approaching seasons of the Chicago Bears and cheering on his Indiana Hoosiers, especially during the Bobby Knight era and the national titles.

Jim is survived by his wife, Carole; three children, Shannon K (Scott) Engelken, Scottsdale, Ariz., Erin Rae Adell, Carmel, and Eric James (Clair) Beaver, Rensselaer; grandchildren, Alexander, Andrew and Ava Engelken; Isabella and twins Mitchell and Madeleine Beaver; step-grandchildren, Katherine and Jacob Retek; sister, Janet Rae Beaver MD (Tom Schaub); and brothers, Steven Russell Beaver MD and Richard Elston Beaver.

He was predeceased in death by his parents.

A celebration of life and memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made payable to Jasper Newton Foundation with Rensselaer Urban Forestry Council in the memo line, P.O. Box 295, Rensselaer, Ind, 47978.

To share memories and/or condolences with the family, please visit www.jacksonfuneral.com