Maj. James Thomas "Jim" Beck, United States Air Force, (Retired) passed away on May 8th, 2015 in Jefferson, Texas. Visitation will be Sunday May 10th, 2015 at Downs Funeral Home in Marshall, Texas. Graveside services with Military Honors will be 11 a.m. Monday May 11th, 2015, at Grange Hall Cemetery in Marshall with Bro. Ron Segers officiating.
Jim was born on May 25th, 1924. He was raised on the family’s farm located on Pumpkin Center Road between Scottsville and Marshall, Texas in Harrison County. His parents were Katherine Elliott “Big Momma” Beck and Charles Allen "Pappy" Beck. He developed an interest in aviation at a young age and began to fly before leaving high school. This passion was shared by his two older brothers Lt Col Claude Allen "Buster “Beck, USAF, (Ret.), and Lt Col Jack Elliott Beck, USAF, (Ret.). Jim also had an older sister Mildred "Sis"(Burke) Dilmon.
On Saturday October 3rd, 1942 during World War II, Jim enlisted in the US Army Air Forces at Tyler, Texas in Smith County. His brother Jack went to Tyler the day before on Friday October 2nd, 1942 and enlisted. Their oldest brother Claude had enlisted on May 9th, 1941 in Dallas, Texas before the United States entered WWII. Jim being such a determined person, and not wanting to be outdone by his brothers did not wish to worry his mother. He snuck off from the farm late Friday evening taking one of the family’s mules and riding it to the other side of Marshall where he hitchhiked his way to Tyler to enlist.
During WWII he received his commission and was accepted to flight training where he was trained on heavy bombers.
After World War II, Jim married Billie Joyce Hickman who was also from Marshall, Texas. They were married at the First Church of the Nazarene on Burleson Street On June 11th, 1948. She passed away March of 2010. Together they have three children: Peggy Ann, who passed away in June of 2013, Julie Katherine, and son, James Scott. Peggy married Samuel Rogers and had two children, Chuck and Chris. Julie married Jackie R. Cain and had two children, Randy and Emily.
Jim was a 1st Lt. in the United States Air Force when he was sent to Korea. He was assigned to and flew with the 3rd Bombardment Group, 5th Air Force, 13th Bombardment Squadron (LNI) "Devil's Own Grim Reapers.” He was stationed in Korea from April 1952 to November 1952. Jim flew more than 50 successful missions with more than 200 combat hours while serving during the Korean War. He flew the Douglas A-26 Invader which was a low level attack bomber. The most notable event for him during the Korean War on was Monday night September 22, 1952. The events of that night would later earn him The Distinguished Flying Cross.
While flying an armed reconnaissance mission over the North Korean's main supply route between Kang-dong and Singye, North Korea, he sighted, encountered, and engaged the enemy. Despite the rugged terrain and it being night time, he displayed outstanding airmanship, unusual flying ability, courage, and devotion to duty. As the enemy convoys attempted to defend themselves, he immediately engaged these lucrative targets. He did this by conducting a series of low level glide bombing and strafing attacks each time drawing deadly enemy fire.
These highly successful attacks resulted in the destruction of eleven enemy vehicles by fire and explosion. This deprived the enemy of vital supplies and equipment. The 13th Bomb Squadron was notorious for flying extremely dangerous low level night missions. Their motto was "Fear the Reaper!" Jim also spent time with the 7th Fighter-Bomber Squadron "Scremin Deamons" during the course of the Korean War and flew the Republic F-84 Thunderjet, though never in combat.
During his career with the US Army Air Forces which later became the United States Air Force, Maj. James Thomas “Jim” Beck was awarded numerous medals and citations including the Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, the US Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters. After the Korean War, Jim continued to fly and demonstrate impressive airmanship skills along the way. He was assigned and flew with the 1700th Air Transport Group, 57th Air Transport Squadron, and the 1739th Ferrying Squadron.
During his career a noteworthy event occurred while attached to the 1708th Ferrying Group and 1739th Ferrying Squadron. He saved a Fairchild C-119 "Flying Boxcar", and six crewmen from plunging into the Atlantic Ocean. He was a captain at the time and flying a C-119 "Boxcar" for the 1739th Sq. between Kindley AFB Bermuda and Lajes AFB Azores. This mission was accomplished by flying instruments through a major low hanging storm front, on one engine for over 700 miles, at an average altitude level of 2000 feet, and speed of 100 mph. The plane and crew were about 700 miles from Kindley where they departed. They were at an altitude of 11,000 feet, when explosions rocked the right engine and threatened to tear the wing from the plane. Jim immediately ordered the prop to be feathered, at which time his crew chief said he couldn't. The crew chief said he was unable to feather it because the explosions jerked the throttle from his hands each time he tried. Jim had to grab the lever himself and used all the force possible to hold it down and finally feathered the prop. Lt. Theo D. Bruce who was copilot at the time was quoted in a newspaper article saying “Captain Beck acted so fast every time I reached for a control; he had already taken care of it." At one point Captain Beck had given the crew orders to make preparations for bail out. After they landed it was noted that only enough fuel for an hour and half of flying and 21 gallons of oil remained. It took six hours and 57 minutes to fly the 700 miles back to Kindley AFB. Other members of his crew were, Lt. Theo D. Bruce, copilot, and Master Sgt. James J. Ciliberti, crew chief. Three members of the 1737th Ferrying Squadron at Dover AFB, Delaware were also aboard for this trip: Lt. Charles W. Campbell, navigator, (Airman 1st Class) A/1C Kurt T. Zimmerman, radio operator instructor, and Staff Sgt. Fred A. Calhoun, receiving a check out as radio operator.
James Thomas "Jim" Beck retired from the United States Air Force at the rank of Major with more than twenty five years of service in 1968. He served another two years in the reserves ending at Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, Louisiana.
After retirement he continued to fly and was active in general aviation for many years. He first shared his passion of flying with his grandson Chuck Rogers at the age of three. He began teaching Chuck to fly at the age of eleven. His youngest grandson, Randy, was always was big buddy, helper and right hand man through the years. His only granddaughter, Emily, always lit up his eyes. After retirement from the military He worked for two different school districts in North East Texas, first as a teacher in Waskom and then as the transportation director for Marshall Independent School District. He later served as the visiting teacher and truant officer before retiring with twenty plus years’ service in public education.
Jim is survived by daughter Julie and son-in-law Jackie Cain of Marshall, Tx., and son, Scott Beck of Mesa, Az., his three grandchildren, Chuck Rogers and wife Emily of Lake o’ the Pines, Tx., Randy Cain of Marshall, Tx., Emily Bennett of Marshall, Tx.; and his four great-grandchildren Samantha Rogers, Cole Rogers, Dillon Bennett, and Tucker Bennett.
Jim was born on May 25th, 1924. He was raised on the family’s farm located on Pumpkin Center Road between Scottsville and Marshall, Texas in Harrison County. His parents were Katherine Elliott “Big Momma” Beck and Charles Allen "Pappy" Beck. He developed an interest in aviation at a young age and began to fly before leaving high school. This passion was shared by his two older brothers Lt Col Claude Allen "Buster “Beck, USAF, (Ret.), and Lt Col Jack Elliott Beck, USAF, (Ret.). Jim also had an older sister Mildred "Sis"(Burke) Dilmon.
On Saturday October 3rd, 1942 during World War II, Jim enlisted in the US Army Air Forces at Tyler, Texas in Smith County. His brother Jack went to Tyler the day before on Friday October 2nd, 1942 and enlisted. Their oldest brother Claude had enlisted on May 9th, 1941 in Dallas, Texas before the United States entered WWII. Jim being such a determined person, and not wanting to be outdone by his brothers did not wish to worry his mother. He snuck off from the farm late Friday evening taking one of the family’s mules and riding it to the other side of Marshall where he hitchhiked his way to Tyler to enlist.
During WWII he received his commission and was accepted to flight training where he was trained on heavy bombers.
After World War II, Jim married Billie Joyce Hickman who was also from Marshall, Texas. They were married at the First Church of the Nazarene on Burleson Street On June 11th, 1948. She passed away March of 2010. Together they have three children: Peggy Ann, who passed away in June of 2013, Julie Katherine, and son, James Scott. Peggy married Samuel Rogers and had two children, Chuck and Chris. Julie married Jackie R. Cain and had two children, Randy and Emily.
Jim was a 1st Lt. in the United States Air Force when he was sent to Korea. He was assigned to and flew with the 3rd Bombardment Group, 5th Air Force, 13th Bombardment Squadron (LNI) "Devil's Own Grim Reapers.” He was stationed in Korea from April 1952 to November 1952. Jim flew more than 50 successful missions with more than 200 combat hours while serving during the Korean War. He flew the Douglas A-26 Invader which was a low level attack bomber. The most notable event for him during the Korean War on was Monday night September 22, 1952. The events of that night would later earn him The Distinguished Flying Cross.
While flying an armed reconnaissance mission over the North Korean's main supply route between Kang-dong and Singye, North Korea, he sighted, encountered, and engaged the enemy. Despite the rugged terrain and it being night time, he displayed outstanding airmanship, unusual flying ability, courage, and devotion to duty. As the enemy convoys attempted to defend themselves, he immediately engaged these lucrative targets. He did this by conducting a series of low level glide bombing and strafing attacks each time drawing deadly enemy fire.
These highly successful attacks resulted in the destruction of eleven enemy vehicles by fire and explosion. This deprived the enemy of vital supplies and equipment. The 13th Bomb Squadron was notorious for flying extremely dangerous low level night missions. Their motto was "Fear the Reaper!" Jim also spent time with the 7th Fighter-Bomber Squadron "Scremin Deamons" during the course of the Korean War and flew the Republic F-84 Thunderjet, though never in combat.
During his career with the US Army Air Forces which later became the United States Air Force, Maj. James Thomas “Jim” Beck was awarded numerous medals and citations including the Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, the US Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters. After the Korean War, Jim continued to fly and demonstrate impressive airmanship skills along the way. He was assigned and flew with the 1700th Air Transport Group, 57th Air Transport Squadron, and the 1739th Ferrying Squadron.
During his career a noteworthy event occurred while attached to the 1708th Ferrying Group and 1739th Ferrying Squadron. He saved a Fairchild C-119 "Flying Boxcar", and six crewmen from plunging into the Atlantic Ocean. He was a captain at the time and flying a C-119 "Boxcar" for the 1739th Sq. between Kindley AFB Bermuda and Lajes AFB Azores. This mission was accomplished by flying instruments through a major low hanging storm front, on one engine for over 700 miles, at an average altitude level of 2000 feet, and speed of 100 mph. The plane and crew were about 700 miles from Kindley where they departed. They were at an altitude of 11,000 feet, when explosions rocked the right engine and threatened to tear the wing from the plane. Jim immediately ordered the prop to be feathered, at which time his crew chief said he couldn't. The crew chief said he was unable to feather it because the explosions jerked the throttle from his hands each time he tried. Jim had to grab the lever himself and used all the force possible to hold it down and finally feathered the prop. Lt. Theo D. Bruce who was copilot at the time was quoted in a newspaper article saying “Captain Beck acted so fast every time I reached for a control; he had already taken care of it." At one point Captain Beck had given the crew orders to make preparations for bail out. After they landed it was noted that only enough fuel for an hour and half of flying and 21 gallons of oil remained. It took six hours and 57 minutes to fly the 700 miles back to Kindley AFB. Other members of his crew were, Lt. Theo D. Bruce, copilot, and Master Sgt. James J. Ciliberti, crew chief. Three members of the 1737th Ferrying Squadron at Dover AFB, Delaware were also aboard for this trip: Lt. Charles W. Campbell, navigator, (Airman 1st Class) A/1C Kurt T. Zimmerman, radio operator instructor, and Staff Sgt. Fred A. Calhoun, receiving a check out as radio operator.
James Thomas "Jim" Beck retired from the United States Air Force at the rank of Major with more than twenty five years of service in 1968. He served another two years in the reserves ending at Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, Louisiana.
After retirement he continued to fly and was active in general aviation for many years. He first shared his passion of flying with his grandson Chuck Rogers at the age of three. He began teaching Chuck to fly at the age of eleven. His youngest grandson, Randy, was always was big buddy, helper and right hand man through the years. His only granddaughter, Emily, always lit up his eyes. After retirement from the military He worked for two different school districts in North East Texas, first as a teacher in Waskom and then as the transportation director for Marshall Independent School District. He later served as the visiting teacher and truant officer before retiring with twenty plus years’ service in public education.
Jim is survived by daughter Julie and son-in-law Jackie Cain of Marshall, Tx., and son, Scott Beck of Mesa, Az., his three grandchildren, Chuck Rogers and wife Emily of Lake o’ the Pines, Tx., Randy Cain of Marshall, Tx., Emily Bennett of Marshall, Tx.; and his four great-grandchildren Samantha Rogers, Cole Rogers, Dillon Bennett, and Tucker Bennett.
Maj. James Thomas "Jim" Beck, United States Air Force, (Retired) passed away on May 8th, 2015 in Jefferson, Texas. Visitation will be Sunday May 10th, 2015 at Downs Funeral Home in Marshall, Texas. Graveside services with Military Honors will be 11 a.m. Monday May 11th, 2015, at Grange Hall Cemetery in Marshall with Bro. Ron Segers officiating.
Jim was born on May 25th, 1924. He was raised on the family’s farm located on Pumpkin Center Road between Scottsville and Marshall, Texas in Harrison County. His parents were Katherine Elliott “Big Momma” Beck and Charles Allen "Pappy" Beck. He developed an interest in aviation at a young age and began to fly before leaving high school. This passion was shared by his two older brothers Lt Col Claude Allen "Buster “Beck, USAF, (Ret.), and Lt Col Jack Elliott Beck, USAF, (Ret.). Jim also had an older sister Mildred "Sis"(Burke) Dilmon.
On Saturday October 3rd, 1942 during World War II, Jim enlisted in the US Army Air Forces at Tyler, Texas in Smith County. His brother Jack went to Tyler the day before on Friday October 2nd, 1942 and enlisted. Their oldest brother Claude had enlisted on May 9th, 1941 in Dallas, Texas before the United States entered WWII. Jim being such a determined person, and not wanting to be outdone by his brothers did not wish to worry his mother. He snuck off from the farm late Friday evening taking one of the family’s mules and riding it to the other side of Marshall where he hitchhiked his way to Tyler to enlist.
During WWII he received his commission and was accepted to flight training where he was trained on heavy bombers.
After World War II, Jim married Billie Joyce Hickman who was also from Marshall, Texas. They were married at the First Church of the Nazarene on Burleson Street On June 11th, 1948. She passed away March of 2010. Together they have three children: Peggy Ann, who passed away in June of 2013, Julie Katherine, and son, James Scott. Peggy married Samuel Rogers and had two children, Chuck and Chris. Julie married Jackie R. Cain and had two children, Randy and Emily.
Jim was a 1st Lt. in the United States Air Force when he was sent to Korea. He was assigned to and flew with the 3rd Bombardment Group, 5th Air Force, 13th Bombardment Squadron (LNI) "Devil's Own Grim Reapers.” He was stationed in Korea from April 1952 to November 1952. Jim flew more than 50 successful missions with more than 200 combat hours while serving during the Korean War. He flew the Douglas A-26 Invader which was a low level attack bomber. The most notable event for him during the Korean War on was Monday night September 22, 1952. The events of that night would later earn him The Distinguished Flying Cross.
While flying an armed reconnaissance mission over the North Korean's main supply route between Kang-dong and Singye, North Korea, he sighted, encountered, and engaged the enemy. Despite the rugged terrain and it being night time, he displayed outstanding airmanship, unusual flying ability, courage, and devotion to duty. As the enemy convoys attempted to defend themselves, he immediately engaged these lucrative targets. He did this by conducting a series of low level glide bombing and strafing attacks each time drawing deadly enemy fire.
These highly successful attacks resulted in the destruction of eleven enemy vehicles by fire and explosion. This deprived the enemy of vital supplies and equipment. The 13th Bomb Squadron was notorious for flying extremely dangerous low level night missions. Their motto was "Fear the Reaper!" Jim also spent time with the 7th Fighter-Bomber Squadron "Scremin Deamons" during the course of the Korean War and flew the Republic F-84 Thunderjet, though never in combat.
During his career with the US Army Air Forces which later became the United States Air Force, Maj. James Thomas “Jim” Beck was awarded numerous medals and citations including the Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, the US Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters. After the Korean War, Jim continued to fly and demonstrate impressive airmanship skills along the way. He was assigned and flew with the 1700th Air Transport Group, 57th Air Transport Squadron, and the 1739th Ferrying Squadron.
During his career a noteworthy event occurred while attached to the 1708th Ferrying Group and 1739th Ferrying Squadron. He saved a Fairchild C-119 "Flying Boxcar", and six crewmen from plunging into the Atlantic Ocean. He was a captain at the time and flying a C-119 "Boxcar" for the 1739th Sq. between Kindley AFB Bermuda and Lajes AFB Azores. This mission was accomplished by flying instruments through a major low hanging storm front, on one engine for over 700 miles, at an average altitude level of 2000 feet, and speed of 100 mph. The plane and crew were about 700 miles from Kindley where they departed. They were at an altitude of 11,000 feet, when explosions rocked the right engine and threatened to tear the wing from the plane. Jim immediately ordered the prop to be feathered, at which time his crew chief said he couldn't. The crew chief said he was unable to feather it because the explosions jerked the throttle from his hands each time he tried. Jim had to grab the lever himself and used all the force possible to hold it down and finally feathered the prop. Lt. Theo D. Bruce who was copilot at the time was quoted in a newspaper article saying “Captain Beck acted so fast every time I reached for a control; he had already taken care of it." At one point Captain Beck had given the crew orders to make preparations for bail out. After they landed it was noted that only enough fuel for an hour and half of flying and 21 gallons of oil remained. It took six hours and 57 minutes to fly the 700 miles back to Kindley AFB. Other members of his crew were, Lt. Theo D. Bruce, copilot, and Master Sgt. James J. Ciliberti, crew chief. Three members of the 1737th Ferrying Squadron at Dover AFB, Delaware were also aboard for this trip: Lt. Charles W. Campbell, navigator, (Airman 1st Class) A/1C Kurt T. Zimmerman, radio operator instructor, and Staff Sgt. Fred A. Calhoun, receiving a check out as radio operator.
James Thomas "Jim" Beck retired from the United States Air Force at the rank of Major with more than twenty five years of service in 1968. He served another two years in the reserves ending at Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, Louisiana.
After retirement he continued to fly and was active in general aviation for many years. He first shared his passion of flying with his grandson Chuck Rogers at the age of three. He began teaching Chuck to fly at the age of eleven. His youngest grandson, Randy, was always was big buddy, helper and right hand man through the years. His only granddaughter, Emily, always lit up his eyes. After retirement from the military He worked for two different school districts in North East Texas, first as a teacher in Waskom and then as the transportation director for Marshall Independent School District. He later served as the visiting teacher and truant officer before retiring with twenty plus years’ service in public education.
Jim is survived by daughter Julie and son-in-law Jackie Cain of Marshall, Tx., and son, Scott Beck of Mesa, Az., his three grandchildren, Chuck Rogers and wife Emily of Lake o’ the Pines, Tx., Randy Cain of Marshall, Tx., Emily Bennett of Marshall, Tx.; and his four great-grandchildren Samantha Rogers, Cole Rogers, Dillon Bennett, and Tucker Bennett.
Jim was born on May 25th, 1924. He was raised on the family’s farm located on Pumpkin Center Road between Scottsville and Marshall, Texas in Harrison County. His parents were Katherine Elliott “Big Momma” Beck and Charles Allen "Pappy" Beck. He developed an interest in aviation at a young age and began to fly before leaving high school. This passion was shared by his two older brothers Lt Col Claude Allen "Buster “Beck, USAF, (Ret.), and Lt Col Jack Elliott Beck, USAF, (Ret.). Jim also had an older sister Mildred "Sis"(Burke) Dilmon.
On Saturday October 3rd, 1942 during World War II, Jim enlisted in the US Army Air Forces at Tyler, Texas in Smith County. His brother Jack went to Tyler the day before on Friday October 2nd, 1942 and enlisted. Their oldest brother Claude had enlisted on May 9th, 1941 in Dallas, Texas before the United States entered WWII. Jim being such a determined person, and not wanting to be outdone by his brothers did not wish to worry his mother. He snuck off from the farm late Friday evening taking one of the family’s mules and riding it to the other side of Marshall where he hitchhiked his way to Tyler to enlist.
During WWII he received his commission and was accepted to flight training where he was trained on heavy bombers.
After World War II, Jim married Billie Joyce Hickman who was also from Marshall, Texas. They were married at the First Church of the Nazarene on Burleson Street On June 11th, 1948. She passed away March of 2010. Together they have three children: Peggy Ann, who passed away in June of 2013, Julie Katherine, and son, James Scott. Peggy married Samuel Rogers and had two children, Chuck and Chris. Julie married Jackie R. Cain and had two children, Randy and Emily.
Jim was a 1st Lt. in the United States Air Force when he was sent to Korea. He was assigned to and flew with the 3rd Bombardment Group, 5th Air Force, 13th Bombardment Squadron (LNI) "Devil's Own Grim Reapers.” He was stationed in Korea from April 1952 to November 1952. Jim flew more than 50 successful missions with more than 200 combat hours while serving during the Korean War. He flew the Douglas A-26 Invader which was a low level attack bomber. The most notable event for him during the Korean War on was Monday night September 22, 1952. The events of that night would later earn him The Distinguished Flying Cross.
While flying an armed reconnaissance mission over the North Korean's main supply route between Kang-dong and Singye, North Korea, he sighted, encountered, and engaged the enemy. Despite the rugged terrain and it being night time, he displayed outstanding airmanship, unusual flying ability, courage, and devotion to duty. As the enemy convoys attempted to defend themselves, he immediately engaged these lucrative targets. He did this by conducting a series of low level glide bombing and strafing attacks each time drawing deadly enemy fire.
These highly successful attacks resulted in the destruction of eleven enemy vehicles by fire and explosion. This deprived the enemy of vital supplies and equipment. The 13th Bomb Squadron was notorious for flying extremely dangerous low level night missions. Their motto was "Fear the Reaper!" Jim also spent time with the 7th Fighter-Bomber Squadron "Scremin Deamons" during the course of the Korean War and flew the Republic F-84 Thunderjet, though never in combat.
During his career with the US Army Air Forces which later became the United States Air Force, Maj. James Thomas “Jim” Beck was awarded numerous medals and citations including the Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, the US Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters. After the Korean War, Jim continued to fly and demonstrate impressive airmanship skills along the way. He was assigned and flew with the 1700th Air Transport Group, 57th Air Transport Squadron, and the 1739th Ferrying Squadron.
During his career a noteworthy event occurred while attached to the 1708th Ferrying Group and 1739th Ferrying Squadron. He saved a Fairchild C-119 "Flying Boxcar", and six crewmen from plunging into the Atlantic Ocean. He was a captain at the time and flying a C-119 "Boxcar" for the 1739th Sq. between Kindley AFB Bermuda and Lajes AFB Azores. This mission was accomplished by flying instruments through a major low hanging storm front, on one engine for over 700 miles, at an average altitude level of 2000 feet, and speed of 100 mph. The plane and crew were about 700 miles from Kindley where they departed. They were at an altitude of 11,000 feet, when explosions rocked the right engine and threatened to tear the wing from the plane. Jim immediately ordered the prop to be feathered, at which time his crew chief said he couldn't. The crew chief said he was unable to feather it because the explosions jerked the throttle from his hands each time he tried. Jim had to grab the lever himself and used all the force possible to hold it down and finally feathered the prop. Lt. Theo D. Bruce who was copilot at the time was quoted in a newspaper article saying “Captain Beck acted so fast every time I reached for a control; he had already taken care of it." At one point Captain Beck had given the crew orders to make preparations for bail out. After they landed it was noted that only enough fuel for an hour and half of flying and 21 gallons of oil remained. It took six hours and 57 minutes to fly the 700 miles back to Kindley AFB. Other members of his crew were, Lt. Theo D. Bruce, copilot, and Master Sgt. James J. Ciliberti, crew chief. Three members of the 1737th Ferrying Squadron at Dover AFB, Delaware were also aboard for this trip: Lt. Charles W. Campbell, navigator, (Airman 1st Class) A/1C Kurt T. Zimmerman, radio operator instructor, and Staff Sgt. Fred A. Calhoun, receiving a check out as radio operator.
James Thomas "Jim" Beck retired from the United States Air Force at the rank of Major with more than twenty five years of service in 1968. He served another two years in the reserves ending at Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, Louisiana.
After retirement he continued to fly and was active in general aviation for many years. He first shared his passion of flying with his grandson Chuck Rogers at the age of three. He began teaching Chuck to fly at the age of eleven. His youngest grandson, Randy, was always was big buddy, helper and right hand man through the years. His only granddaughter, Emily, always lit up his eyes. After retirement from the military He worked for two different school districts in North East Texas, first as a teacher in Waskom and then as the transportation director for Marshall Independent School District. He later served as the visiting teacher and truant officer before retiring with twenty plus years’ service in public education.
Jim is survived by daughter Julie and son-in-law Jackie Cain of Marshall, Tx., and son, Scott Beck of Mesa, Az., his three grandchildren, Chuck Rogers and wife Emily of Lake o’ the Pines, Tx., Randy Cain of Marshall, Tx., Emily Bennett of Marshall, Tx.; and his four great-grandchildren Samantha Rogers, Cole Rogers, Dillon Bennett, and Tucker Bennett.
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