COLUMBUS
James Lindley Beshear age 81 passed away June 13, 2022, at his home. Jim was born November 18, 1940, to Norval L. “Sam” Beshear and Minnie Clark Beshear.
He was a graduate of Columbus Senior High School (now North) with the class of 1959. Jim proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1964 as a Senior Air Policeman – A1C.
Jim married Betty Jean Gelfius on July 16, 1967, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. This union was blessed with two children, Valerie Clark of Savannah, Georgia, and Mark Beshear (Julie Wolf-Beshear) of Plano, Texas. He was especially proud to be called Poppi by Spencer Beshear, Asher Wolf, and Savanah Clark. Also surviving are step-sisters, Franketta Ehlers of East Bernstadt, Kentucky; Sue Suomi of Chicago, Illinois and Vicki Collier of Carol Stream, Illinois.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Donna Marie Reed, and a son-in-law, Christopher Clark.
Active in Republican politics, he served many years as a Precinct Committeeman and said the “one job he had that he enjoyed the most and was paid the least” was the time he worked for the Indiana Republican State Committee assigned as Advance Man and Scheduler for the re-election campaign of State Auditor Charles D. Loos. He was past president of the Columbus Jaycees and received the Jaycee Ambassador Life Membership. A member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, he faithfully watched the services via his cell phone when he could no longer attend in person.
A staunch supporter of Purdue Football and Basketball, he also enjoyed watching the Indianapolis Colts. Old movies, sitcoms, and westerns kept him occupied during the time he was homebound when he wasn’t on his cell phone.
His employment was split between three companies: he was an Industrial Engineer at Cummins, Inc.; District Sales Manager for Indianapolis Newspapers, and Supervisor for Network Express. In his retirement, he enjoyed driving for the Columbus Visitors Center where he took tourists to the Miller House and Gardens.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 17, 2022 at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Teike officiating. Calling will be from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.
You are invited to view his video tribute, leave a message of condolence for the family, and light a virtual candle of remembrance online at www.jewellrittman.com.
