10/08/2013
James Clement Beard was born December 25, 1940 in Des Moines, Iowa the son of Milo Merlin Beard and Dorothy Elizabeth (Edwards) Beard.
Jim was raised in Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville High School with the Class of 1958. He then attended St. Ambrose College for two years before returning to Knoxville.
On June 3, 1962 he was united in marriage to Gloria Hancock. The couple has always made Knoxville their home. Jim worked for Gamble’s Store on the Knoxville square for a few years, before taking a job with Century Manufacturing. He sold welding equipment for 30 years for Century and in 1993 he went to work for Vermeer Manufacturing. In 2009 Jim retired.
He was an avid fan of the Knoxville raceway and even sponsored a sprint car. Jim also had an artistic side; he crafted metal sculptures and drew caricatures. Many people will also remember Jim as a dice magician. His greatest joy in life was his family, especially his two granddaughters.
Jim passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at his home, with his family by his side, at the age of 72 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mary Jo Rahe and LaVohn Barbour and his brother, Mike.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Gloria; son, James of Knoxville; daughter, Barbara (Butch) Greer of Kellogg; granddaughters, Kayli and Sophie; siblings: Patricia (Ken) Reddick of Arden Hills, MN, Thomas Beard (Carol Rowland) of Murfreesboro, TN; sister-in-law, Lou Ann Beard of Knoxville; brother-in-law, James Rahe Jr. of Pleasantville and many other family members and friends.
Funeral Service
Bybee & Davis Funeral Home – Knoxville, Iowa
Friday, October 11, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.
Dean Dykstra & Leslie Pountney, officiating
Music
Joe Coleman, Lynette Galloway,
Bart & Lisa Koffman, vocalists
Wanda Coleman, accompanist
Jim will be cremated following the service.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to H.C.I. Care Services or to the National Kidney Foundation.