James W. "Jim" Beck, Jr.'s Obituary
The Muskegon Community lost a wonderful husband, father, friend, family member and community participant on Saturday, January 3, 2004. Mr. James W. “Jim” Beck, Jr., age 52, died at his home after a strong fight against a rare leukemia. Jim was born in Muskegon on May 28, 1951, to James and Louise (Strach) Beck and graduated from Mona Shores High School in 1970. He married Linda Gouin in 1974 in Muskegon and they had two children: James “Jamie” III and Heather. Jim began working and learning his trade as a carpenter/craftsman early and eventually co-founded Harbor Town Construction Company. He owned and operated Harbor Town for 20 years, building custom homes and condos throughout the area. After closing Harbor Town in 1998, he became a construction superintendent with Tridonn Construction, a new venue he enjoyed very much. Jim was a long-time active member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church where he had served on the Finance Council and as an usher. Jim began serving the community while still in high school through several certifications by the Red Cross. He was a 30-year blood donor and registered early as an organ donor. He had registered with the bone marrow transplantation list 15 years before actually needing a transplant himself. Jim served as a Muskegon Township part-paid fire fighter and paramedic for 18 years. He then served Laketon Township for many years as a member of the Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Tax Review Board. Snow skiing, boating/personal watercraft, water sports, and having fun with friends were Jim’s favorite recreational activities. He also enjoyed woodworking, walks and drives along Lake Michigan, NASCAR, wrestling with his dog, and being with family. Jim is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Jamie; daughter, Heather; nephew, Charles “Chad” Bassett II; brother-in-law, Charles Bassett; father-in-law, Joe Gouin; 7 brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Louise Beck, his sister, Barbara (Beck) Bassett, and his mother-in-law, Gerry Gouin. THE FUNERAL LITURGY will be celebrated at 3:00 PM Wednesday, January 7, 2004 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Robert A. Hart as Celebrant and his life-long friend, the Rev. Fr. William A. Langlois as Concelebrant. INTERMENT will take place at Laketon Township Cemetery. VISITATION with Jim’s family will be 1-4 and 6-9 PM Tuesday at the, Sytsema Funeral Home, 737 Apple Avenue, (231) 726-5210 where the Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 PM. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made to the National Marrow Donor Program, Suite 500, 3001 Broadway St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413-1753 or to Hackley Visiting Nurse Services, 250 Morris Ave., Muskegon, MI 49440-1129. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories with Jim’s family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
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