Jim H. Beam
Our dear father, husband, and “Papaw Jim” passed away on July 26, 2021 at Ascension Healthcare, Signal Mountain, TN. He championed the fight against Parkinson’s disease and was an amazing inspiration to his family and friends.
He was born on Christmas Day, 1936 to Hazel Yancey Beam and John Lit Beam, he was a “prized” gift to his family. Named after his aunt, “Jimmie” Ruth Yancey Johnson, he was born in the Macedonia community of Section, AL. He was a good student and high school basketball player. He served in the US Army from 1954-1956 and earned the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was stationed stateside during the Korean Conflict. He was baptized in 1988 and held membership at Lookout Valley Baptist Church, Warner Robins Baptist, and Red Bank Baptist Church. He was a Mason serving at the Lookout Valley Masonic Lodge and later in Whitwell, TN. He was an avid Alabama football fan and loved Coach “Bear” Bryant.
Professionally, he built a long career in the manufacturing industry and retired with 40 years of service at the former Chattanooga Glass Company. Later he relocated to Anchor Glass in Warner Robins, GA. Throughout the years, he mentored many employees becoming a quality control supervisor and manager. He traveled extensively throughout the U.S. resolving customer claims. He was known for his strong work ethic and savvy negation skills. He was a director of the Circle “C” Federal Credit Union and the Wauhatchie Utility District. He coached Little League baseball and was active in youth sports in Lookout Valley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers W.M., John L., Mack, Leon, Roy, and sisters Irene and Betty. He also was preceded by his grandson, Jarrod Michael Purcell.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Carolyn Whitehead Beam, son Doug (Karen) Beam, daughter Brenda (Mike) Purcell, and special sister in law, Cathy (Mickey) Guinn. Grandsons include Zac Beam and Ross (Shelby) Purcell, granddaughter Lacey (Hunter) Brown and Ashley Purcell, five great-grandchildren, Jayton and Tilly Beam, Addie and Austin Purcell and Brody Brown. He leaves behind two sisters Marcella (Willis) Crawford and Patricia Wade of Alabama. “Uncle Jim” leaves behind 27 nieces and nephews and their families.
He loved his family.
Arrangements are being handled by the Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel. Burial will be in the Chattanooga National Cemetery. Bill Harvey of Red Bank Baptist Church will be officiating.
The family wishes to thank all of his caregivers, nurses, therapists and staff at Morning Pointe of Hixson, Dominion Sr. Living, Ascension Healthcare as well as staff at Parkridge Healthcare Center. A special thanks to sitter and friend, Susan Gooden, and the VA staff at the Chattanooga clinic.
The family requests that gifts be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or Hospice of Chattanooga. Parkinson.org/TNKY.