Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
James Beatty Obituary
Maj. James M. Beatty Jr. was one of America's unsung heroes. He flew 229 combat mission, 147 in North Vietnam, and during one of those missions got a confirmed gun kill on a MIG 21. Maj. Beatty earned the Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, and 14 Air Medals among many other awards and decorations during his combat flying. He had 3,250 hours in the F-4 and F-15 aircraft. Maj. Beatty was a recognized expert in aerial combat, and culminated his Air Force career as the Air-To-Air Test Project Manager in the Fighter Weapons test Group, Nellis AFB, Nevada.
After leaving the active Air Force, he continued to serve his country as an F-15 academic and simulator instructor for more than 22 years at Tyndall AFB, Panama City, Fla. His service in the U.S. Air Force and his vast experience was essential in developing future Air Force warriors. As an instructor pilot and simulator instructor, he trained more than 1,000 F-15 pilots and air Battle Managers for the combat air forces during his time at Tyndall. His superior instructional skills enabled the 325th Fighter Wing to meet pilot and air battle manager production goals.
Maj. Beatty was born in Eau Claire, Pa., and had lived in Panama City since 1988. He was a graduate of Grove City College, and served in the USAF from 1963 to 1976.
He is survived by his wife, Mary C. Beatty of Panama City; his children, Natalie L. Hauck and husband, Raymond, of Panama City, Nadie S. Pearish of Panama City, Lisa M. Campbell of Butler, Pa., and John W. Fecich III and wife, Patty, of South Hampton, N.J.; his grandchildren, Alecia N. Mills and husband, Jeremy, Thomas E. Hager III and wife, Julia, Samuel J. Hauck, Jacey L. Hauck, Jolene L. Eiler, Joseph M. Eiler, Troy S. Pearish, Kristopher R. Pearish, Christopher J. Campbell, Jacob F. Campbell and John W. Fecich IV; his great-grandchildren, Serenity A. Murphy, James J. Murphy, Lena M. Mills and Ayden C. Hager; his brother, Dean G. Beatty and wife, Carol, of Eau Claire, Pa.; his sisters, Gail Buzard and husband, Jack, of Eau Claire, Pa., and Faye Herman and husband, Ken, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
No services will be held locally. Funeral arrangements in Pennsylvania will be handled by H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home, 201 S. Washington St., Eau Claire, PA 16030, 724-791-2484.
Funeral Home
2403 Harrison Ave.
Panama City, Fla. 32405
850-763-4694
www.kentforestlawn.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Beatty
Scott Marshall
December 29, 2024
Sorry for your loss. Mary and James fond memories.
Jolene Murphy
February 9, 2013
I miss you Grandpa and your words of encouragement. I know even though you were not there in body when Mom graduated this past weekend, you were there in spirit. I know that you have guided her and I throughout the years and that you will continue to do so. I smile every time a fighter jet flies over head and know that you are saying hello. I love you Papa.
Lt Col Don "Dozer" Borchelt
January 30, 2012
Fair skies Mr. Beatty! You left an indelible imprint on generations of fighter pilots and you will never be forgotten. God bless you and your family.
Lt Col Damon "Biff" Boehmer
January 30, 2012
"So here's a nickel on the grass to you, my friend, and your spirit, enthusiasm, sacrifice and courage - but most of all to your friendship. Your's is a dying breed and when you are gone, the world will be a lesser place."
These words are not mine but convey our community spot on. Godspeed Digger, it was great knowing you.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Col Kevin "Fumez" Huyck
January 28, 2012
Legend in the Mighty Eagle, MiG victor, Friend, America will miss you! Godspeed, Digger Beatty!
Todd Moore
January 26, 2012
Mr. Jim Beatty - you will be missed dearly! I thank you for selflessly passing your knowledge, skill, and experience to each young eagle driver that passed through the Tyndall sims. Rest peacefully my friend -
Lt Col Bret "Slam" Anderson
January 26, 2012
A great fighter pilot and a great role model to me and many others he taught. Godspeed.
Lt Col Greg "Doc" Miller
January 26, 2012
Digger Beatty was a legendary instructor in the F-15. He taught me much more than just flying. I treasure the many "Digger" stories I have from my three trips thru training. He will be missed.
January 12, 2012
Hello Beatty Family, please accept both my condolences and my sincere appreciation for all that Digger Beatty gave to me as my sim instructor in the F-15C during two training programs at TAFB. I hope you are proud of the huge impact he had on all of us. Yours, Craig A. Hughes (Col, USAF Ret.)
January 12, 2012
Gail & Jack, Just found out about Jimmy. We were so sorry to hear. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Leilani & Dave Black
Gene & Gina
January 12, 2012
Dear Mary and family,
We were so sorry to hear of you precious loss. Jimmy will be missed by so many. We continue to pray for you and your family. Know that we are here when you return home when you need us.
Love,
Gene & Gina
Capt Beatty's MiG kill star on Tail#333
D S
January 11, 2012
Capt Beatty's F-4E Tail#333
D S
January 11, 2012
Rick Schuff
January 11, 2012
Mary and children,
Deeply saddened to hear of Jim's passing. Although we'd lost touch over the years, I'll forever remember fondly our time together in the early '90s in Eagle Academics at Tyndall. We could always rely on Jim for his experience, knowledge, and fighter pilot fellowship.
Here's a nickel on the grass to you Digger...
Beav
Book excerpt pic of Jim in his F-4
January 10, 2012
Don 'BoBo' Schilpp
January 10, 2012
Jim 'Digger' Beatty was a bigger-than-life Fighter Pilot's Fighter Pilot. He was a real hero to F-15 students, a VietNam MiG killer who loved swapping stories in the club with that infectious smile. He was THE F-15 "Master" instructor when it came to teaching the 20mm gun and a true warrior mentor to us IPs. We will miss you and your love of life, Jim!
Mobile Holmes
January 10, 2012
Jim taught many of us more than just how to fly. Everyone who attended F-15 FTU at Tyndall has a story or two about him, and he was always glad to see us when we stopped back through. He'll be remembered as a brother and a friend by a host of F-15 pilots. God bless you all.
Mark Snowden
January 10, 2012
I was saddened to hear that Jim Beatty slipped the surlies for the last time. I knew him as a fantastic F-15 sim instructor in 1995 and only later learned the rest of his exploits. He was an inspiration and mentor to a generation of fighter pilots. The world needs more men like him.
Otis
Greg Gibson
January 10, 2012
RIP, Jim... Thanks for all the smiles, stories and guidance throughout the years. "Here's a nickel in the grass to you, my friend... When you are gone, the world will be a lesser place."
Skull
Mike Frankel
January 10, 2012
He made a significant impact on my life....I don't know a single fighter pilot in the F-15C community that didn't know and love him. My thoughts and prays are with those that he left behind. (Mike "Sailor" Frankel, Col, USAF (Ret))
Oral Roberts
January 10, 2012
Jim, you were a special person and I will never forget you and the times we shared in the academic squadron. I know you're pulling lead and saddling up for a stabilized guns track...teach the angels about time of flight...
Cheers,
Oral
Mike "BamBam" Stapleton
January 10, 2012
Mary,
Digger was my hero. As my instructor, he gave me everything he had. He not only kept me alive--he made me better than I ever could have dreamed. He gave me his weapons school patch, and I will treasure it forever. As a friend, he was always there, and even when we had not talked for awhile, we would always pick up where we left off. I miss him, and will keep him and you in my prayers. I pray he is teaching the angels the finer points of dogfighting right now, and that all of the souls resting eternally in peace will become half the fighter pilot he was. God bless you and the family--
Mike
Marilyn Osborne Beatty
January 10, 2012
Dear Mary, Gail, Jimmy, & Fay,
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. I did not know Jim well, but I was always so proud that an American Hero was from Eau Claire. Praying for you all.
January 9, 2012
Mary and to Diggers girls, I'm so sorry and can tell you I feel a loss as well, he was a great friend and i will miss the daily interaction (e-mail) with him. he made me laugh often. Leigh Russell Weinrich (former employee, Lockheed Martin, Tyndall, AFB, FL)
Tom and Kay Caldwell
January 9, 2012
Nadine and Gail, Please accept our sympathy for you and your families at the loss of your father and brother.We read the wonderful list of accomplishment in his obituary. My love to you, old friends. May God be with you. Tom and Kay Caldwell.
Chuck Meschter
January 9, 2012
We'll miss you Jim
Larry and Charlotte Callander
January 9, 2012
Gail, May God comfort you at this time. Larry tells of your brother giving a very loud 'hello' to Eau Claire as he flew over. Praying for you and your family.
Terry Dunmyre
January 9, 2012
To Jimmy Beatty's family,
I am sorry to hear of Jim's passing and would like to pass along my condolences.
I first met Jim at Grove City College and was a fraternity brother of his.
January 8, 2012
January 8,2012
Mary and Family
My sincere sympathy to all of you.
Jim was an F-15 Instructor at Tyndall
AFB when I was a Logistician for
the simulator.
Jim was the most human, fun, smart
person who treated everyone as a
huan being.
He would many times talk about his
wife and family of which he was so
very proud.
Jim will be missed by many who met him.
Georgia Cartwright
Panama City, Fl.
Anne Bailey
January 8, 2012
Mary, I am so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. I read his obituary and he surely had an awesome career.. sounds like a wonderfulman...tho I never met him... mine and Larry's prayers for you and family. will see you upon your return to P.C. love, Annie & Larry Bailey.
Joe Moran
January 8, 2012
I was not only Jim's classmate at Grove City but flew F-4's in the same Squadron with Jim for nine consecutive years. Jim and I flew together in Las Vegas, in Germany, Korea and for two combat tours in Vietnam. After the Air Force, Jim visited me and my parents on the occasion of their 50th anniversary. I helped Jim get together with MacDonnell Douglas for his job in Panama City. Jim was a great "stick" but he was also my best friend. God bless you buddy--warts and all.
Sam Smith
January 7, 2012
My deepest sympathy on the loss of Jim. I have not seen him since he graduated from GCC, but have thought of him many times. He was great fraternity brother and a great person.
Mike & Jeannie Greer
January 7, 2012
Mary, we are so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. Sounds like he was a great guy. God bless him for his service to our country and may he rest in peace. Praying for you and your family that God will comfort you and give you peace in the coming days and weeks.
Adam Curry
January 6, 2012
As the Grandson of Merle Beatty, I grew up hearing of how Jimmy would fly over the house to say "hi" and of his many missions thoughout his life. Those very stores inspired me at a young age to become a pilot and helped me to achieve my goal of becoming a Naval Aviator.
My prayers go out to the rest of the extended Beatty family and to the many live's of those he touched. He will be greatly missed.
LT Adam Curry USN and Family
Bruce Haedrich
January 6, 2012
To the Beatty family - I am sorry to hear of Jim's passing and send along my condolences. I was Jim's roommate in our freshman year at Grove City College. He was instrumental in recommending me for the Adelphikos fraternity. I'm sure he will be missed.
Ron & Lorrie Beatty Curry & Family
January 6, 2012
We send our heartfelt love and sympathy to the family and the many friends of Jimmy. He was such an energetic and charming guy, full of laughs, and such a fun cousin! We tell the stories to our sons, who are both pilots, about Jimmy and his F-4 days! No doubt, he will be greatly missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dennis and Susan Huff
January 6, 2012
Dear Beatty Family,
So sorry to hear of losing another relative. We hadn't kept in touch but that does not mean you do not think of him. It brings so many memories of the family gatherings and the teasing etc. Dennis and I are so sorry that you are going through this. Our prayers are with you all.
23rd Street Teller Line (TyndallFCU)
January 6, 2012
Mrs. Mary and Beatty Family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and this time of loss.
Ken Keller
January 6, 2012
I first met Jim at Ubon Thailand in 1966. He led me on my first mission into northern Vietnam. Jim was a great American warrior who added critical value wherever he was assigned. He left a rich legacy for both family and friends to share. Now he has departed on his last mission and I am confident he has “slipped the surly bonds of Earth and touched the face of God.”
My condolences to the entire extended Beatty family.
Ken Keller
Austin, TX
Ed Bowersox
January 6, 2012
Dear Beatty Family,
Jimmy and I were fraternity brothers at Grove City College. He helped bring me into the group and I have thought of him many times over the years.
I am sorry for your loss.
Rick and Sherry Hixson
January 6, 2012
God bless and keep you at this very difficult time. You and yours are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim & Jean Cizek
January 5, 2012
Mary and family-very sorry for your loss and ours. I've known Jim since we both reported for Air Force pilot training on Thanksgiving day, 1963. Over the years I've been honored to fly with him in peacetime and in combat. He has invited me into his home on many occasions - always with the great respect of a true friend. Jim was a fighter pilot's fighter pilot! Safe journey as you go on life's last great adventure jim!
January 5, 2012
Dear Beatty Family,
It was an honor for me to serve in the Air Force with Jim, in peacetime and in war. Please be assured you are in our prayers an be comforted by this truth: Love never dies!
Dick Toliver
January 5, 2012
Dear Mary & Family, So many memories, so many stories. I have a smile on as I remember the time we shared at Ubon, Wheelus and Nellis. Jim had great talent, dedication and inspiration. Our prayers are with you all. Thank you Jim for all you did as a fighter pilot and friend.
JB Spencer
Scott Marshall
January 5, 2012
Mary- I am so sorry for your lost, Jimmy was a good man and will be missed dearly.
Gary Retterbush
January 5, 2012
My sincere condolences to all of the family. Jim and I flew together in SEA; he was a great fighter pilot!
Have a good flight, Jim.
Max Schooley
January 5, 2012
Jim was a warrior and will be greatly missed by all who knew him
Charles Cox
January 5, 2012
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Beatty family. Jim and I served together several times including combat tours in Viet-Nam. He was a friend, fellow fighter pilot and squadron mate. I salute you.
In Christ's love and ours--Charles and Tilley Cox
Col,AF,Ret
William McDaniel
January 5, 2012
I knew Jim from the Fighter Weapons School at Nellis AFB. I was there as a student and Jim as an instructor. We were both Vietnam vets, but Jim had a treasure of knowledge, expertise, and experience to offer and a gift for teaching. He was also unequaled at demonstrating concepts. Jim's passing is a loss to all fighter pilots. God Bless his family.
Bill McDaniel
Wilson Parma
January 5, 2012
Jim and I served together at Ubon in different squadrons. I remember him as a great man and a great fighter pilot and am proud to count him as a friend and brother in arms.
January 5, 2012
Yesterday when told of Jim's passing the first words out of my mouth were, “What an exceptional fighter pilot”. I was one of two tactical radar controllers at Luke AFB that did all of the close control for air-to-air engagements during the F-15 FOT&E. We worked very closely with all of them as they flew against the best the world had to offer including Top Gun, 64th Aggressors and many others and Jim had a great hand. I loved controlling Jim because I knew we'd do any exceptional job and always did. But he was more than just that…he was a good friend. I was disappointed when he left and I had always thought he went to Victorville, CA to join an Automotive Group. Last year I stopped by Victorville at a car dealership looking to find a connection. I was wrong and sadly never had a chance to renew before his passing. To his many friends and loving family I offer my sincerest condolences and know that he'll have a place in my memory and heart for this true American hero and patriot.
H. Lee Dixon
Col, USAF, Ret.
Kathy Bell
January 5, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the entire Beatty family. Jim was a kind and considerate man. I am thankful for the time we worked together. God Bless.
Joe Lee Burns
January 5, 2012
My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Jim and I served both of our combat tours together. He was a great fighter pilot, flight lead and wingman. We saved each others' lives a few times. Godspeed, old friend.
Joe Lee Burns
Col, AF, Ret
Alecia Mills
January 4, 2012
For my Grandfather, who will always be a candle in our hearts for all that he did for all of us kids, and all the kids that remained free in our country by his honorary service. Love you Papa!
January 4, 2012
Mary our dearest friend, we are sending our Love... We are keeping you and your family in our thought's and prayers... And we know GOD will surely comfort you... Tom & Mary Louise Hetrick (Tiffin OH)...
John and Patty Beatty
January 4, 2012
Mary and family. We wanted to say how sorry we are to hear of Jim's passing away. Please also tell Jack and Gail and Carol and Dean how sorry we are. He was the Best Man at our wedding and had been your "best" man in your life.
My Grabdfather
Joene Eiler
January 4, 2012
Jolene Eiler
January 4, 2012
For my Grandfather that will be forever missed and always remembered for his service to our country and our family.
Kay (Boyd) Duplaga
January 4, 2012
To all of Jimmy's family my deepest sympathy and heart felt thoughts.I remember him flying over Eau Claire when Tricia was a baby, I was fixing her bottle and I thought he was coming through our window, I was so scared. Remember racing his car in the powder puff derby at Mercer drag races and taking off before he said go. I salute you and am so Thankful for your service to our Country
Mildred Marterella
January 4, 2012
Mary and all of your family,
I was saddened to read of Jim's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jack and Nancy Saylor
January 4, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Michael/ Dee Dee Newcaster
January 4, 2012
Dear Mary & families; May we express our deepest sympathy in the death of Jim. He was a fearless man that walked the walk. A real American Hero.
I remember racing his supped up Plymouth's in the late 50's & riding to Kiski with him. He will always be remembered by all of us who had the fortune to know him. May God bless all of you, during such sad times.
wilda stroup
January 4, 2012
I salute your veteran. My condolences for your loss and gratitude for your loved one's service to our country.
JOHN AND DONNA LOMINSKI
January 4, 2012
Mary and Family, You have our deepest smypathy on the passing of Jim. Our prayers are with you.
JOHN AND DONNA LOMINSKI
Terri Toth Wells
January 4, 2012
Dear Mary and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was a good guy he will be greatly missed in your lives. My blessings are with you. God Bless and Take Care with Love Terri Toth Wells
Showing 1 - 65 of 65 results
Make a Donation
in James Beatty's name
Memorial Events
for James Beatty
Funeral services provided by:
Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Cemeteries2403 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL 32405
How to support James's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor James Beatty's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored