John W. “Jack” Beebe passed away peacefully at home following a brief illness. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 47 years, Christiane, his son Stephen, granddaughter Irina and many many close friends from all over the world. Born in New London, CT on May 12, 1925 the son of Richard and Madeline Beebe, Jack was a lifelong resident of Madison but truly a citizen of the world. Having dropped out of 8th grade to support his family, Jack went on to found Beebe School Transportation, which ultimately became the largest school bus company in the state when he sold it in 1986. Always an enthusiastic sportsman after a 14 year career racing snowmobiles across New England, Jack founded Race Hill Farm Racing Team. Employing the likes of Handsome Harry Gant, Geoff Bodine, Morgan Shepard and Ron Bouchard, Jack raced the Winston Cup Series winning Talladega in 1981 and Atlanta in 1986. After selling his team to Cale Yarborough in 1987 Jack turned his attention back to his antique cars, winning AACA, CCCA, and Concours d’Elegance honors, including two best of class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. In between, Jack managed to compete in 2 “Cannonball Runs”, 2 “Legs Across America”, and the Monte Carlo Challenge. These are a few of Jack’s accomplishments. What these words cannot convey is the man Jack was. His word was his bond; his love of animals unsurpassed; generous to a fault with his time and money; an avid reader and world traveler with an inquisitive and active mind, Jack was a man who embraced all that life offered. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends the world over.

Funeral services will be held at the North Madison Congregational Church, 1271 Durham Rd., North Madison Sunday, October 11 at 2:00pm. Burial with Military Honors will follow at West Side Cemetery, Race Hill Rd., North Madison. Contributions in his memory may be made to any animal shelter of one’s choice.