James Beam

The Peace Lily was sent for James Beam - November 10, 2022

Send flowers for James Beam

Chip, Connie, and family. I apologize for just now leaving my condolences. Praying for you and your families.

To Chip and Family. My prayers are with you all during this time of grief. Your house was Home away from home. Your parents always made me feel loved and welcome. Your Dad, in particular, always shared a hug, smile, and a joke. So very grateful for him, then and now. May you find comfort in knowing that he brought so much joy to so many. Sharron Clayton Gay

Thank You Mr. Beam for saving my life in 1979 4th grade Jefferson Elementary School. R I P

Prayers and heartfelt sympathy Rih Mr Beam Constance Wilson family friends and neighbors

To the Family of Mr. James Beam I remember Mr. Bean when we first started at the new Hunter school. We walked from Cleveland school to Hunter school to open the school up my mom Leedesia Brooks was the dietitian and we had so much fun. I remember Mr. Beam giving me my first spanking because RickyHowell and I got in a fight. He couldn't couldn't make me cry with the spanking but when he started to talk to me that's when the tears started. Mr. Beam was an honorable man always respected. He will be missed but he left a legacy that no one can deny. He had the best run school in Cleveland County. Chip, have my sympathy, my condolences and my prayers. Valerie Brooks Cumberlander (Vickie)

Chip and Family,

Our deepest condolences to you all. Two things I'll always remember about James was how incredibly tall I thought he was when I was a child, and how funny he was. He managed to make us laugh every time I saw him. He will be missed. Prayers for you all. Love you.

-Kristen & Romano Dudley and Family

All my memories of Mr. Beam are from my childhood but they are all vivid. I too went to Hunter Elementary school where he was my principal for four years and also attended the same church where he was a member. I vaguely remember attending his and his wife's wedding. My mother sold him the land that he and Mrs. Beam built their house on. I remember when the foundation was poured, when the walls were raised and when they bought their first furniture because it seemed that my parents spent every weekend out on that land until the house was finished. I remember several Sunday nights watching the T.V. show Bonanza with them. It became somewhat of a ritual. I still think of Mr. Beam when I hear the theme song from that series in reruns of the show. I also remember when he decided to take up golf and how we would all practice hitting balls in that large front yard. We were all pretty bad at it. Mr. Beam came to our house often when I was young and loved to show up whenever he knew my mother was cooking for a special occasion. He would bound into the house with a loud hello and never needed to knock. I remember how excited and proud he was when Chip was born and how much he loved his pretty Connie. Even as a child he impressed me as being one of the tallest and one of the most handsome men in town. I remember him as a strong and competent principal of Hunter Elementary and a devoted member of Durham United Methodist Church. I haven't seen him for many years now, not since my parent's funerals, but he was a significant person of my childhood. My sincere condolences to Chip, Connie and his extended family. Linda Pass Fowler

CORRECTION: My brother Steve called me out on the part about us becoming our uncle, aunt, and dad in our old age. He said it should have been the following: I will be Aunt Chris, Steve will be dad, and Nelson will be Uncle James- got it! He also said I should change Army to Marines, but....Chip just confirmed I was right- he was in the Army! So we broke even bro! I just got off the phone with him and we've been tripping about us being half right. Anywho; I got it straight! At least we all got a good laugh out of it! And we needed that like a ice cold glass of water on 100 degree day!😂🫶🏽❤️

We'll, what can I say that hasn't already been said? Uncle James was my second dad. I was often asked if he was my dad and if Chip was my brother. Chip and I became closer as we got older and we're like brother and sister instead of cousins. My uncle and my dad were close. They were so similar in their parenting and character. They even served the country in the Army together! Uncle James has been a like a dad to me and my siblings and we could have fun with him just like we did with our dad. Uncle James and my dad was good-looking men and they'd say that to me often, and I joked with them about it. They never looked their ages and I pray I have that gene! My aunt Chris (their sister), was close to him and they were characters together and kept us laughing! My younger brothers; Steve & Nelson often joke that Steve will be Uncle James, Nelson will be Daddy, and I'll be Aunt Chris when we get old! I'm going to miss him as much as I miss my dad; BUT, praise be to God, I'll see them again one day in Heaven! Hallelujah, thank the Lord! Rest In Peace my dear uncle, and we'll make sure Chip's alright! Love your niece, Jackie Beam Woody😘❤️🙏🏽

To my cousins Chip and Connie, it is a true blessing and an honor to have shared space here with with your dad. My dad, Furman, was tall but I think James was taller! I enjoyed listening to them talk when I was a child. They were both "phenomenal black men". Cousin James probably never knew, as he was just trying to make it in this world, how many young men and women looked up to him, when he wasn't looking. They marveled and emulated and loved the "content of his character". Leading the reunion, Yvonne and so many welcomed him to his heavenly home. I pray God holds you real close in the days ahead. Love you. Denise Bridges

Chip, Connie & family, my most heartfelt condolences to you all!! Wow!! What can one say about a life well lived! I, too, knew Mr. Beam for most of my life. He was my dad's fraternity brother and a good friend to him!! As a child at church, I also thought he was the tallest person ever!! As an adult, I loved listening to him & Papa Quinn pick at each other in my dad's Sunday school class!! I loved his homemade cards and I enjoyed our banter after church!! When Daddy passed away, he was there for us even though due to Covid, he had to stay away!! The heartfelt, homemade card will forever be treasured, as will the love he gave to our family!! Alot of wonderful memories that will be cherished!! He was such a jovial, loving man!! He will be missed!! Take your rest "General"!! You, Papa Quinn & Daddy can have your own Sunday school and frat party now!💜🕊💜🕊💜🕊 Lil General (Morris) & I will miss you!! Chip, I am praying for you all!! With lots of love & thanksgiving, Morris, Sandy, Kristian & Trey Watson

Life is the greatest gift that has been granted to us by Heaven. Death is just a bridge to God's everlasting life and eternal peace. Our heart goes out with our deepest sympathy to the family. May God be your Comforter in this difficult time of need. Rev. Thomas Coleman and family

Mr. Beam was my principal at Hunter's Elementary School in 1958 he and his brother Mr. Evans so i say to the Beam family you have our deepest sympathy. Fay you and I would always talk about your father and your uncle James With much respect Roger & Josie Degree

I am sorry I misspelled Omega Psi Phi.

To the family and friends of Mr. James Beam, Sr. I do not have the words for this man that I knew all of my life. So many memories to share...like him being one of my father's dearest, dearest friends and Omega Phi Pi Frat Brother. When I was 3 years old he was so tall! I just kept staring at him at church as if he were one of those giants out of a fairy tale. In real life though he was that to many, this is why I do not have the words of what he meant to me and so many others. Our families used to visit each other after church when I was a child. My parents and his family were so close, so the visits and playtime with his children was not just limited to Sundays. I knew him all of my life and he was such an encouragement...always with a laugh or little sayings or just being there. He always made my Dad beautiful homemade, handwritten Christmas cards and rarely ever missed Sunday School or Service. He was loved and respected by many and will never be forgotten for the gentleman that he was, the educator he was and the giant whose legacy will live on. From the Quinn Family to the Beam Family...We know, we remember and we will never forget. God bless!

Mr. James Beam, a tall man who carried his self with respect, dignity and pride. Not only will his family miss him, his community will miss him as well. Mr Beam was a shinning example of Black Excellence. And he could swing a mean paddle, I know. I was among the fortunate youth who had the honor and privilege of being in his care when he was the principle at Northside Elementary (yes I got sent to the Principles office and it was not good :). As a School dietitian my mother (Margaret Cabaniss) worked for Mr. Beam, she admired his leadership. As a man of God my father (Ray Cabaniss) attended Durham United Methodist Church with Mr. Beam,, they were great friends, they taught Sunday School together and served breakfast once a month as part of the Methodist Men Group. Not only did I learn from Mr. Beam at school, I learned from him at Church as well. I was a frequent visitor to their home and was treated generously by the whole family. Mr and Mrs Beam, Connie and Chip. Connie and Chip and I were close friends attending Mrs. Wesson's Kindergarten together, we remain friends till this day. Connie and Chip; your parents were pillars to us all. The citizens of Shelby share your grief with the passing of your father. Please stay strong and know that not only was Mr. Beam your Father, he was a giant among us. Love, Pete and the entire Cabaniss family.

My Sincere Condolences To The Family, Praying For You All! Doris McKissick

To the family and friends of James Beam-May the concern and sympathy of all of us give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. Remember that "what we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us." The memories we have of Jim are a precious legacy;he exhibited strength, kindness and concern for all of us.Chip and family, we are thinking of you and praying for you. The Fred Wright Family-Betty, Carolyn, Fred, Gloria and Dean

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.