James Bea

James Christopher Bea, 38

James Christopher Bea, 38, of West Lafayette, formerly of Bloomington, Indiana (1994-2008), passed away at his home at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 6, 2012, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Born January 15, 1974, in Michigan City, Indiana, he was the son of James "Scut" (wife: Rochelle) Bea, of Alton, Illinois, and Donnita Crabb (husband: Wes) Scully, of Michigan City. James was a 1992 graduate of Elston High School in Michigan City and received both his bachelors and masters degree in safety management from Indiana University. His marriage was to Kristen Larson on March 28, 1997, in Bloomington, and she survives.

James worked as a private contractor in construction in Bloomington from 1998 to 2007. He and his family moved to Lafayette in 2008. He has worked as a safety engineer for Subaru Automotive in Lafayette since 2007. He was a former member of City Church in Bloomington. He was also a former Deacon at Anointed Harvest Fellowship Church in Bloomington. He enjoyed playing basketball at the YMCA in Bloomington and HPER at Indiana University. He especially enjoyed coaching baseball and basketball for his children and watching them participate in sports.

Surviving with his parents and wife are his children, Joshua Lawhorn, of Bloomington, Brahm, Aram, Brannan and Abyrin Bea, all at home, Chelsea Kleine, of Sharon, Pennsylvania, Isaiah (mother: Jaime Sims) White, of Bloomington. Also surviving are six brothers, Wesley Kareem, Marcus, Joshua and Nathan Scully, all of Michigan City, Lawrence Scully, of Indianapolis, and Daryl Bea, of Alton; two sisters: Precious and Pashawn Bea, both of Alton; his sisters' very special mother, Vanessa Bea, of St. Louis; and two grandchildren, Josiah and NaKeith (mother: Chelsea Kleine).

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Richard and Josie Bea; his maternal grandmother, Fareeda Muhammad; a special grandmother-in-law, Rosie Lee Kiner; and his great-grandmother, Celia Thobbs.

With travel logistics two memorial services will be held. A Memorial Service "Celebrating the Life of James Christopher Bea" will be held on June 16th, 2012, at 11 a.m. with reception starting at 10 a.m. located at Federated Church, 2400 Sycamore Lane, West Lafayette, IN 47906. This service will be followed by a luncheon.

A traditional Memorial Service will be held at 6 p.m. on June 15, 2012, near Michigan City at Life Temple Church of God in Christ, 3709 U.S. Highway 20, LaPorte, IN 46350.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bea Education Fund care of Kristen Bea at Old National Bank, 2410 N. Salisbury St., West Lafayette, IN 47906. Phone 765-463-0485. Contributions can be mailed or made at any Old National Branch location.

Hippensteel Funeral Home entrusted with care. Share memories and condolences online at www.simplicity-funeralcare.com.