James M. "Jim" Beetsch

Mr & Mrs Beetsch, family and friends, my depest condolences on the loss of your son, brother, father and our dear friend Jim. Bad news always makes it to those who need to respond, please accept my apology for taking so long, but I thought I would wait until today to say my last words to Jim, on his birthday. Jim, I could only wish you were here to receive this in person, but time and life has taken its toll on all of us from the old neighborhood in one way or another it seems. A birthday memory from many years ago is my wish for all of us to remember your incredible smile, even after you lost that tooth on the rink! Your outlook on life was always so positive and you were a great friend. Birthdays in the old days were such an event, cakes, kids and a mess only a Mom could appreciate! As we got older we all seemed to do our own thing, the places we lived together were a real experience, (Marty, Doc, Jay ) our junk cars, our parties, card games, chess games, our junk jobs, our girlfiends and most importantly our dogs! LOL, we were about the most fun in town!! I only wish that when we had the chance we could have gotten the Fox patrol together for a reunion at some point in time, we had such a great group of friends and that was an amazing time in our young lives. I never got to meet your kids, sounds like they are a chip off the old block and are well on their way through life!

Rest well my friend, we will meet again, as we did many years ago!

Kevin

Hey Jim! Are you reading this? Remember when you and me and your kid went carp fishing on the Minnesota in my little runabout? I should have bought the can of corn like you said - maybe we would have caught one?

My heart goes out to the family members of Jim, his kids, siblings, and parents. John and Phylis, I cherish our friendship, I'm sorry for your loss. John, you were always there for Jim. I'll always remember the time Jim, and other "Beetchs" came to our place in Minneapolis and we walked to Thomas Beach for fireworks. God bless you. Sheree Cooney

I'm gonna miss you, Jim. Thanks for being a second father to me.

Growing up I always thought my best friend Stephanie had the greatest dad. He was fun loving and creative – spending the night at her house there was never a dull moment. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Beetsch family. I was so sorry to hear of your loss.

I want to thank all of you who hold my fathers memory in your heart. He was a great Father, friend and genuine man. I will miss him dearly but my heart is lightend knowing he is where he wants to be, with my mom! Love you guys!


Thank you for all your kind words.

I have not seen or heard anything from Jim in over 30 years, so although I was deeply sadened by the news of his death I was also happy to here he had a wonderful life, wife and family. I have some great childhood memories with Jim. We played hockey on the same line at Washburn High, all the times we would walk to Lynhurst Park and play hockey, climb garages in the neighborhood and play touch football in Colfax Ave. Jim lived less than a block from me and his house was on the way to school, so I picked him every morning and we would walk to school. ( he was always late!) Jim was a good friend, I wish only the best for his family in the future.
Mike Dorsey

Jim and I loved to go to the beach together. We spent many sunny days playing with Stella and watching the dolphins. I treasure the eight years Jim was a part of my life. I am grateful for the love he showed me and I miss his sweet smile and gentle humor. Jim, you will forever be in my heart and soul. I love you, Linda

Jim always made me laugh and was more than willing to share words of wisdom with me. I am so thankful for all the memories that I have of him and my sister Andi. He was so much more than my brother-in-law. I look at Derek and Steph and I see the best of both of their parents in them and through the tears I am able to smile. I will love you forever Jim. Peace.

I am so sorry to have heard about the passing of Jim. He was one of my best friends and our history covered much time and geography. From Mpls. to New Jersey and many years in California. I was at his wedding and he was best man at mine. My sympathy to his family and his son and daughter, whose births I was at both of. So many memories of adolescence and adulthood I will always cherish.

I'm very sorry to hear about Jim's death. He was a special guy, a fine athlete, and a good friend to many. I particularly remember playing hockey with him down at Lynnhurst, on cold wintry evenings, or having lunch at one another's house back when we attended Burroughs, so many years ago.

My sincere sympathies go out to his children and family.