James Beane Jr.

James O. Beane, Jr., 84

Boylston - James O. Beane, Jr., 84, passed away Friday, July 17, 2015, at home after an illness surrounded by his loving family. He leaves his wife of 57 years, Phyllis Ann (Williams) Beane; two sons: Jeffrey Beane and his wife Susan of Simpsonville, SC and Gregory Beane and his wife Gerianne of Marlborough; five grandchildren: Elliot, Frazier, Amie, Thomas, and Matthew; one brother Thomas Beane; four sisters: Martha Heal, Betty Troutman, Mary Ruth Emerson, and Linda Jones; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, son of the late Mary Louise (Sparks) and James O. Beane, Sr.

Jim served his country, honorably and with distinction, for over 20 years in the Marine Corps, retiring as Warrant Officer. He was a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. During the Korean War, Jim was part of the Chosin Reservoir campaign. Outnumbered 10 to 1, cut off behind enemy lines, and in bitterly cold temperatures, Jim fought gallantly and became one of a revered group of Marines, known as "The Frozen Chosen." For the rest of his service career, he was a bomb disposal expert as a member of the Marine Corps EOD squad.

Jim was an avid golf enthusiast and the golf course superintendent at Boylston's Mt. Pleasant Country Club for over 18 years and the construction superintendent at Cyprian Keys Golf Club. He was an USGA Rules Official and worked dozens of NEPGA Junior and PGA tournaments every year, as well as a tournament driver for NBC commentators.

Calling hours will be held at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, Worcester on Sunday, July 19, from 4-7 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Boylston, 10 Church Street on Monday, July 20, at 11:00am. He will be buried at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon on Tuesday, July 21, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Congregational Church or JHC Hospice of Worcester: http://www.jhchospice.com.

For directions or to leave an online message of condolence, please visit:

Nordgrenmemorialchapel.com