James Gerald Beecher

James Gerald Beecher (Jim) was born in Zillah, Washington, October 24, 1940, to Carroll & Leona (Desbian) Beecher. Jim was 1 out of the 9 children.

The family moved to Bogue, Kansas not long after his birth. There they owned a family grocery store & Jim began learning the art of butchery at the very young age of 12 years old, an art he would practice for the rest of his life until his retirement.

Jim enjoyed participating in all his high school’s sports, with his favorite being football, although he lettered in everything he participated. Jim had many stories of his high school games & accomplishments & loved to share them with anyone willing to listen.

After graduation, Jim decided to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. He served several years before leaving the service & returning to Kansas. Jim then attended the University of Kansas for a few semesters before entering back into the workforce. He dabbled in trades such as a cigar salesman, highway worker, & traveling salesman, but eventually returned to his passion, the art of butchery.

Jim married Carmen Artis, the love of his life on October 19th, 1985, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jim’s 6 children & Carmen’s 3 children turned the family into as large as the one he grew up in, 9 children. The couple shared in the loving of 9 grandchildren & 15 great-grandchildren. Carmen & Jim enjoyed spending their days together until her passing on October 5, 2021...& then he missed her every single day until his passing.

Jim was preceded in death by Carroll & Leona (Desbian) Beecher (parents), Carmen Artis Beecher (wife), Joseph Beecher (son), & Ronnie Beecher, Carolyn (Beecher) Scott, Joyce Beecher, Verla (Beecher) Musick, Angel (Beecher) Bible - (siblings).

Jim is survived by his children - Karla Kay (Beecher) Aikman, James Beecher, adopted children - Terri Beecher, Kenny Beecher, Laura Beecher, step – children Steve Artis, Ruby Artis, Elaine Cordiner, & siblings – Shirley (Beecher) Shea, Larry Beecher, & John Beecher.