James Beckwith
June 17, 1937 — September 3, 2019
James Beckwith
James Ellis Beckwith, lovingly known as "Paw Paw", 82, of Benton, Arkansas passed away September 3, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. James was born June 17, 1937 in Lonsdale, Arkansas to the late Ellis Gustavus and Matilda Elmamie (Tyler) Beckwith.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Matilda Beckwith; brothers, Gene and Charlie Beckwith.
He is survived by his wife, the love of his life for 61 years, Joan; three loving children: Ron Beckwith, Mike Beckwith, Karen Long and their spouses, Elizabeth, Donna and Rickhis; and three brothers: Archie, Tommy and Richard Beckwith.
He was blessed with five adoring grandchildren: Rikki Walker, Ron Beckwith Jr., Jesse Long, Jennifer Webb and Lauren Campbell. In addition, God also blessed him with six great-grandchildren: Zane Long, Luke Webb, Kennedy Campbell, Savannah Long, Maxwell Walker and Caroline Webb.
James had 5 brothers. As a young man he decided to join the Navy and while stationed in Key West sent for Joan Hecke to come and be his bride. That happened on November 8, 1957. A year later, they welcomed Ron and from there, Mike and Karen. Each child was born in a different state.
James served in the Navy for 20 years and retired as a Chief Petty Officer in Chula Vista, California. He always came back each year to Arkansas to vacation, but after retirement from the Navy, he came to Arkansas once again and found employment at the local post office. He moved the family back to Arkansas and worked another 15 years there and retired.
He was a member of the Falcon Club, the VFW and the NARFE. He loved the outdoors and would camp and fish throughout his life. In his later years he spent a lot of his time in his garden and on his golf cart. He was known for his deep baritone voice and he would frequently call out "Hello darling".
He will be remembered for many things, his great head of hair, his generous nature and the love he had for his family. Rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus dear Paw Paw, until we see you again.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 10 with funeral service, officiated by Bro. J.D. Courtney, following at 11:00 AM, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Committal service to follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
322 N. Market St.
Benton, AR, 72015
322 N. Market St.
Benton, AR, 72015
James was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Matilda Beckwith; brothers, Gene and Charlie Beckwith.
He is survived by his wife, the love of his life for 61 years, Joan; three loving children: Ron Beckwith, Mike Beckwith, Karen Long and their spouses, Elizabeth, Donna and Rickhis; and three brothers: Archie, Tommy and Richard Beckwith.
He was blessed with five adoring grandchildren: Rikki Walker, Ron Beckwith Jr., Jesse Long, Jennifer Webb and Lauren Campbell. In addition, God also blessed him with six great-grandchildren: Zane Long, Luke Webb, Kennedy Campbell, Savannah Long, Maxwell Walker and Caroline Webb.
James had 5 brothers. As a young man he decided to join the Navy and while stationed in Key West sent for Joan Hecke to come and be his bride. That happened on November 8, 1957. A year later, they welcomed Ron and from there, Mike and Karen. Each child was born in a different state.
James served in the Navy for 20 years and retired as a Chief Petty Officer in Chula Vista, California. He always came back each year to Arkansas to vacation, but after retirement from the Navy, he came to Arkansas once again and found employment at the local post office. He moved the family back to Arkansas and worked another 15 years there and retired.
He was a member of the Falcon Club, the VFW and the NARFE. He loved the outdoors and would camp and fish throughout his life. In his later years he spent a lot of his time in his garden and on his golf cart. He was known for his deep baritone voice and he would frequently call out "Hello darling".
He will be remembered for many things, his great head of hair, his generous nature and the love he had for his family. Rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus dear Paw Paw, until we see you again.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 10 with funeral service, officiated by Bro. J.D. Courtney, following at 11:00 AM, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Committal service to follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Visitation
SEP 10. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT)
Smith - Benton Funeral Home322 N. Market St.
Benton, AR, 72015
Funeral Service
SEP 10. 11:00 AM (CDT)
Smith - Benton Funeral Home322 N. Market St.
Benton, AR, 72015
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Beckwith, please visit our flower store.
In light of increasing scams, all guestbook entries will now be approved by us. At Smith Family Funeral Homes, safeguarding the privacy and personal memories of your loved ones for family and friends is our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
Guestbook
Visits: 30
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
