James McClelland Beasley

Jim Beasley’s story is that of a traveler. A gray wooden plaque that hung in his home said, “Have Trailer Will Travel.” This plaque also included the verse from Joshua 25:15, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Jim loved The Lord and he loved traveling in his 5th wheel camping trailer.

Born on May 2, 1944 to Margaret Francis Creech and James Furlon Beasley in Center, Texas, Jim was the first child. He was joined by younger siblings, William Louis, Nancy Jane, and Terry Ashley Beasley. Both of Jim’s maternal grandparents, John and Dora Creech served as county judges in Center, Texas. The family descended from hard working immigrants of Scotland and royalty from Finland.

Jim graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1962. His favorite subject was music and his beautiful bass voice contributed to the high school choir. After graduating he sang in many different church choirs including The First Baptist Church of Garland, Texas.

Jim’s father worked at refineries and was a boilermaker with the union. Jim’s first job began as he started traveling to work with his father. Once he started collecting a paycheck, Jim bought his first Mustang and his love for “muscle cars” continued. Jim was truly talented in fixing cars, painting, plumbing, building most anything, and serving as a cook for huge parties. He also was the photographer for his Creech family reunions. Jim could also be found near any fishing hole, reeling in the “big ones.”

Jim was a Masonic Knight Templar, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Master Mason of the Blue Lodge, and past Grandmaster of the Garland Lodge along with being past Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star.

He ended his working career with Garland ISD where he worked in the warehouse, pulling orders, and performing maintenance. After retiring in 2010 he gained more time to spend with the Masons, Eastern Stars, and the Texas Travelers, his RV camping group.

Jim Beasley didn’t always travel alone. Along his journey he first married Pam Piboin, who bore his only child, Sandra Beasley Aycock. Sandra and her husband Paul gave him his beloved grandson, Ethan Edward.

As Jim traveled on, Amanda Holt became his second wife but their years together were brief.

When he met Beth Pate at church, she truly became his helper and cherished wife. Helping with church parties and events and traveling in their RV, they were admired for their hospitality. They loved to dance together in their matching outfits. James sadly grieved after her death on June 30, 2014.

Darlene Klonaris and Jim met through the Masons and Eastern Stars. After marrying on May 5, 2018, Jim was a devoted caretaker to Darlene as she faced many health challenges. When she passed in November of 2020, Jim realized that his own health was fading.

He loved all 77 years of his life but soon realized as the song goes. “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through….. The angels beckoned me from heaven’s open door and I can't feel at home in this world anymore.” On June 27, 2021, Jim entered heaven’s gates.