Jimmy Dean Beshears, 84, of Greenwood, Arkansas passed away peacefully in Huntsville, Alabama on July 7, 2024. Jimmy was known as Jim to most people and most affectionately known as “Pa Jim” to his loving family. He cherished time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and was always up for an adventure.
He was born in Snake River, Idaho on August 29, 1939 to Tura (Woods) Beshears and Elmer Beshears. Jim attended Greenwood schools and played football, basketball and baseball. He graduated in 1957. He then attended Teacher’s State College (University of Central Arkansas) in Conway.
He met the love of his life, Martha (King) Beshears at Clark’s Chapel Church one day. He and his friends were admittedly driving around “looking for girls” as church services let out. He knew he had to talk to the lovely Martha (whom he adoringly referred to as his “Mert.”) He and Martha married on July 31, 1959 and were married for 55 years.
Jim worked at Greenwood Fixtures for many years with his father, Elmer Beshears. Jim was a highly skilled woodworker by trade. He installed many residential pieces but most notably worked on the wood hand railing in the Fort Smith Public Library’s main branch (alongside his good friend, Joe Higginbotham.)
Jim also maintained a longtime friendship and working relationship with local artist, Ralph Irwin and assisted with the wood carved mural in Mercy Hospital Fort Smith. Pa Jim shared his love of art with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and they were encouraged to paint and draw in his dedicated “art room” space.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Tura Beshears, a brother, Bill Beshears, and his wife, Martha Beshears. He is survived by one daughter, Rebecca (Beshears) McKinney and husband, Dale; son, Ronald (Ronnie) Beshears and wife, Tammie; four grandchildren, Laura McKinney Pearson of Greenwood, Joshua McKinney and wife, Roxanne of Greenwood, Eric Beshears and Rosie Beshears of Huntsville, Alabama; four great-grandchildren, Audrey, Maggie, Max, and Myla all of Greenwood; siblings, Shirley Hanry and husband, Lenoir, Roger Beshears and wife, Lavetta, Don Beshears and a sister- in-law, Faye Beshears.
Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 19 at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood. Visitation with the family will be Thursday from 6 – 8 p.m. at the funeral home. A private inurnment will be held at Clark’s Chapel Cemetery.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
