James Burton Beck

James Burton Beck, 84, of Orlando, FL passed into the arms of his Heavenly Father on January 24, 2024 as a result of a fall in his home.Born in Salisbury, North Carolina, he was the son of Oscar George Beck, Jr. and Freeda Barnes Beck. He spent his early childhood years in Mooresville, NC and Kannapolis, NC where he graduated with honors from A.L. Brown High School in the 1958 Class. After graduating, he joined the United States Navy and spent the next 22 years serving his country, initially on an aircraft carrier, and then as an air traffic controller in various locales including Kodiak, AK, Pensacola and Jacksonville, FL,Brunswick, GA, and Memphis, TN. He retired from service, having achieved the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. During his Naval career, he achieved many honors, including selection to attend Palomar College, San Marcos, CA and graduated with an Associate Degree in Airport Management. His expertise in air traffic control and the educational opportunities from his degree led to civilian jobs following retirement.

He eventually formed his own company, Systems Research Group, specializing in air traffic control and scientific endeavors for the Department of Defense and National Science Foundation. Over the next 32 years, Jim and Scott, along with up to 100 talented personnel, served the US military needs. Jim led his expert team to far flung geographies of the world including Antarctica, the South Pole and the Middle East and assisted in advancing technology and skills used worldwide in air aviation.

He met his lifelong love, Maxine Bonds in 1955 and they married in 1959. They were happily married 64 years and raised 2 children. He is survived by daughter, Sandra Beck Charlton (Tom) of Little Rock, AR, and son, Scott Kendrick Beck (Susan) of Lake Mary FL. Also surviving him are 4 grandchildren, Andrew Charlton (Chloe) of Paradise Valley, AZ, Caroline Calvert (Drew) of Little Rock, AR , Erin and Steven Beck of Lake Mary, FL along with 4 great grandchildren: Rose, Smith and James Charlton, and Charlie Calvert.

Jim and Maxine traveled extensively in their RV motorhome over the years, visiting National Parks in the West and along the East Coast of the US. Nothing made Jim happier than spending time with his wife and his extended family over family dinners and Holidays. He spent countless hours sitting on the back porch, enjoying the tranquility of the lake. Jim was the world’s best listener and would quietly deliver sage advice to his loved ones at just the right moment. His quiet humor was always refreshing and welcome.

A funeral service will be held at 1 pm on Wednesday, January 31st at Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel in Sanford, FL. Interment will immediately follow at Oaklawn Cemetary with full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the American Lung Association or your favorite charity.