James Beason

Matt 25:23 KJV. His Lord said unto him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; … enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” James Monroe Beason, 89, beloved husband of Frances Marie (Peace) Beason, joined the heavenly Church triumphant in the wee hours of November 17, 2023, embraced by the love of his family. A longtime resident of Duncan, South Carolina, James was born February 5, 1934 in the Dunean Community of Greenville, SC to William Monroe Beason and Ella Mae (Smith) Beason. After moving around Georgia several times as a young child with his father, a pastor and textile machinist, and mother, a textile worker, the family settled in Greer, SC. Upon graduating Davenport High School in Greer, SC, James entered active service for the US Armed Forces. Between 1953-1958 he served the USAF 305 Bomber Wing in many US and foreign locations as a mechanic on B47’s and KC97’s. From 1960 until 1974, James was a USAF Communications Specialist with the 6940th, 6950th, 6986th, 6917th and 6920th Security Groups. During those years he also taught at the 6940th Training Wing in San Angelo, TX. Following his last foreign assignment, MSGT James M. Beason retired in 1974 from San Angelo TX and moved his family home to Duncan, South Carolina. Retirement conjures images of a life of freedom, rest, and relaxation. This was not for James. In 1974 he became a patrolman for the Town of Duncan, SC which led him to graduate from the SC Criminal Justice Academy and then while working, pursue and earn with Cum Laude recognition a BS Criminal Justice degree from the University of South Carolina, 1980. 1980-1987 he was Chief of Police in Greer, SC. James also served the State of South Carolina 1987-1993 at what is now known as the Tyger River Correctional Institute in Enoree, SC. James M. Beason, brilliant, dedicated, hardworking, humorous, loyal citizen, forever a student of life, was an unassuming Christian man of few words. He enthusiastically participated or watched all sports. He was also a remarkable baker (especially on holidays), and gardener. By far, James’ greatest love was for his wife of 69 ½ years, Frances and his girls, Karen (Ric) Ware, Suzanne (Rusty) Carroll and Deborah (Max III) Cauthen. Whenever and wherever he was stationed, they were soon to accompany or follow him to Florida, California, Texas, Wakkania, Japan, San Vito, Italy, Misawa, Japan, and South Carolina. “Have bags will travel” was their motto. In addition to his wife and daughters, James is survived by 8 grandchildren: Laura W. (Seth) Abel, Bryson (Rachel) Ware, Katie C. (Richard) Rideout, Evan (Sara) Carroll, Hannah C. (Nick) Grey, Max Cauthen IV, Anne Marie C. (Jared) Matthews and Francis Oak and 8 great grandchildren … with another due 2024. Surviving James is survived by his sister, Joy B. Holland. He is predeceased by sister Rachel B. Hendren. We, the family, would like to recognize the doctors, nurses and caregivers of Prisma Hospitals in Greer and Greenville, the Prisma Cancer Institute in Seneca, the Pelham Medical Center in Greer and Interim HealthCare and Hospice. Without their exceptional care and compassion, we could not have navigated this last season for James, the cherished husband, father, brother, friend. A private celebration of life will be held later by the immediate family. Memorials and dedications may be made to Shriners Hospital in Greenville, SC, or the charity of your choice.

James Beason

February 5, 1934 - November 17, 2023