Jackson - James Angelo Becker, Jr. died on Tuesday, December 5, 2018, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 86. Jim, aka Dado, as he became known when his first grandchild was born, was cherished by his family and friends for his generous spirit, wit, humor, and full-throttled love of life.
Dado enjoyed playing golf, croquet, bridge, and travelling. He was a prolific painter, inspired by the works of Theora Hamblett and Vincent Van Gogh. He employed a primitive style in his artwork and described it as "Naive Impressionism." His paintings have enriched many collections throughout the South and have been admired by renowned artists such as Alan Flattmann and Bill Dunlap. Dunlap said, "Jim Becker's painting is a direct and natural response to our visual world. If Becker sees it, he can paint it, and you will know it."
He loved to host parties at his home to celebrate life events or to cheer on his alma mater, and he was a very accomplished cook. He had a zest for life and loved to share time with family and friends at any opportunity. These events were often punctuated by Jim's favorite and infectious expression, "That's a Classic!"
Jim graduated from Ole Miss in 1954 with English and History majors and belonged to the SAE fraternity. He married Kathryn Yerger of Jackson in 1954 and entered the Navy through the Navy ROTC program the same year. With a rank of Lieutenant JG, he completed his naval tour of duty on the East Coast of the United States on the LST 880.
He entered Law School at Ole Miss and graduated in 1958. Jim and Kathryn moved to Jackson, where he joined the law firm of Watkins and Eager. He practiced law for over 50 years and had experience in many different types of legal matters. In later years, he concentrated in products liability cases for many manufacturers, medical malpractice defense, and family law. He was a member of the Product Liability Advisory Council and the American Board of Trial Advocates. He had a long and distinguished record as a trial lawyer, employing his considerable communication and storytelling skills to many a positive verdict for his clients.
The stage was set for Dado's love of family before he was born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, in 1932. His father, James Angelo Becker, was the ninth of twelve siblings, known as the "Big 12." With birth years spanning 1898 to 1938, Dado was one of 45 children of the "Big 12." As a child, "Jimmy" filled in at the family bridge games as soon as he was old enough to hold cards and count. He was a good student, a cheerleader at Brookhaven High, and he worked at the Brookhaven Creamery on Saturdays and after school for many years. He was instrumental in planning two major Becker family reunions in 1994 and 2006. In earlier years, Jim and his sisters, Adine Becker Hill and Sally Becker Denhollem, would gather with their families at their father's home in Brookhaven for Easter and other special holidays.
Jim is survived by his three children: James Y. "Jamie" Becker (Norma), Kathryn Becker Sams (Lee), and Ed Becker (Hillis). He is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Will Becker and Maggie Becker Prezioso (Crawford); Becker Sams (Weatherly), Sara Sams Weyrens (Nick), Taylor Sams (Allie); and Duncan, Olivia, and Anna Kathryn Becker; and three great grandchildren: Farren Sams, Bryan Sams, and James Weyrens.
He will be missed and remembered forever as a true "classic," a wonderful and loving father, and a loyal friend to many.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Orchard, Manhattan Nursing Home, and most especially, Wendy Kelly, who helped care for him in his final years.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend funeral services at St. Andrews Episcopal Cathedral, 305 E. Capitol St., Jackson, Mississippi on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at 2:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of Jim's life at the home of Kathryn and Lee Sams, 2515 Eastover Drive, in Jackson.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Andrews Episcopal Cathedral, The Mississippi Museum of Art, The Jackson Symphony Orchestra, or the Parkinson's Foundation would be welcomed.
Published in Clarion Ledger on Dec. 9, 2018
Dado enjoyed playing golf, croquet, bridge, and travelling. He was a prolific painter, inspired by the works of Theora Hamblett and Vincent Van Gogh. He employed a primitive style in his artwork and described it as "Naive Impressionism." His paintings have enriched many collections throughout the South and have been admired by renowned artists such as Alan Flattmann and Bill Dunlap. Dunlap said, "Jim Becker's painting is a direct and natural response to our visual world. If Becker sees it, he can paint it, and you will know it."
He loved to host parties at his home to celebrate life events or to cheer on his alma mater, and he was a very accomplished cook. He had a zest for life and loved to share time with family and friends at any opportunity. These events were often punctuated by Jim's favorite and infectious expression, "That's a Classic!"
Jim graduated from Ole Miss in 1954 with English and History majors and belonged to the SAE fraternity. He married Kathryn Yerger of Jackson in 1954 and entered the Navy through the Navy ROTC program the same year. With a rank of Lieutenant JG, he completed his naval tour of duty on the East Coast of the United States on the LST 880.
He entered Law School at Ole Miss and graduated in 1958. Jim and Kathryn moved to Jackson, where he joined the law firm of Watkins and Eager. He practiced law for over 50 years and had experience in many different types of legal matters. In later years, he concentrated in products liability cases for many manufacturers, medical malpractice defense, and family law. He was a member of the Product Liability Advisory Council and the American Board of Trial Advocates. He had a long and distinguished record as a trial lawyer, employing his considerable communication and storytelling skills to many a positive verdict for his clients.
The stage was set for Dado's love of family before he was born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, in 1932. His father, James Angelo Becker, was the ninth of twelve siblings, known as the "Big 12." With birth years spanning 1898 to 1938, Dado was one of 45 children of the "Big 12." As a child, "Jimmy" filled in at the family bridge games as soon as he was old enough to hold cards and count. He was a good student, a cheerleader at Brookhaven High, and he worked at the Brookhaven Creamery on Saturdays and after school for many years. He was instrumental in planning two major Becker family reunions in 1994 and 2006. In earlier years, Jim and his sisters, Adine Becker Hill and Sally Becker Denhollem, would gather with their families at their father's home in Brookhaven for Easter and other special holidays.
Jim is survived by his three children: James Y. "Jamie" Becker (Norma), Kathryn Becker Sams (Lee), and Ed Becker (Hillis). He is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Will Becker and Maggie Becker Prezioso (Crawford); Becker Sams (Weatherly), Sara Sams Weyrens (Nick), Taylor Sams (Allie); and Duncan, Olivia, and Anna Kathryn Becker; and three great grandchildren: Farren Sams, Bryan Sams, and James Weyrens.
He will be missed and remembered forever as a true "classic," a wonderful and loving father, and a loyal friend to many.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Orchard, Manhattan Nursing Home, and most especially, Wendy Kelly, who helped care for him in his final years.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend funeral services at St. Andrews Episcopal Cathedral, 305 E. Capitol St., Jackson, Mississippi on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at 2:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of Jim's life at the home of Kathryn and Lee Sams, 2515 Eastover Drive, in Jackson.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Andrews Episcopal Cathedral, The Mississippi Museum of Art, The Jackson Symphony Orchestra, or the Parkinson's Foundation would be welcomed.
Published in Clarion Ledger on Dec. 9, 2018
Jackson - James Angelo Becker, Jr. died on Tuesday, December 5, 2018, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 86. Jim, aka Dado, as he became known when his first grandchild was born, was cherished by his family and friends for his generous spirit, wit, humor, and full-throttled love of life.
Dado enjoyed playing golf, croquet, bridge, and travelling. He was a prolific painter, inspired by the works of Theora Hamblett and Vincent Van Gogh. He employed a primitive style in his artwork and described it as "Naive Impressionism." His paintings have enriched many collections throughout the South and have been admired by renowned artists such as Alan Flattmann and Bill Dunlap. Dunlap said, "Jim Becker's painting is a direct and natural response to our visual world. If Becker sees it, he can paint it, and you will know it."
He loved to host parties at his home to celebrate life events or to cheer on his alma mater, and he was a very accomplished cook. He had a zest for life and loved to share time with family and friends at any opportunity. These events were often punctuated by Jim's favorite and infectious expression, "That's a Classic!"
Jim graduated from Ole Miss in 1954 with English and History majors and belonged to the SAE fraternity. He married Kathryn Yerger of Jackson in 1954 and entered the Navy through the Navy ROTC program the same year. With a rank of Lieutenant JG, he completed his naval tour of duty on the East Coast of the United States on the LST 880.
He entered Law School at Ole Miss and graduated in 1958. Jim and Kathryn moved to Jackson, where he joined the law firm of Watkins and Eager. He practiced law for over 50 years and had experience in many different types of legal matters. In later years, he concentrated in products liability cases for many manufacturers, medical malpractice defense, and family law. He was a member of the Product Liability Advisory Council and the American Board of Trial Advocates. He had a long and distinguished record as a trial lawyer, employing his considerable communication and storytelling skills to many a positive verdict for his clients.
The stage was set for Dado's love of family before he was born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, in 1932. His father, James Angelo Becker, was the ninth of twelve siblings, known as the "Big 12." With birth years spanning 1898 to 1938, Dado was one of 45 children of the "Big 12." As a child, "Jimmy" filled in at the family bridge games as soon as he was old enough to hold cards and count. He was a good student, a cheerleader at Brookhaven High, and he worked at the Brookhaven Creamery on Saturdays and after school for many years. He was instrumental in planning two major Becker family reunions in 1994 and 2006. In earlier years, Jim and his sisters, Adine Becker Hill and Sally Becker Denhollem, would gather with their families at their father's home in Brookhaven for Easter and other special holidays.
Jim is survived by his three children: James Y. "Jamie" Becker (Norma), Kathryn Becker Sams (Lee), and Ed Becker (Hillis). He is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Will Becker and Maggie Becker Prezioso (Crawford); Becker Sams (Weatherly), Sara Sams Weyrens (Nick), Taylor Sams (Allie); and Duncan, Olivia, and Anna Kathryn Becker; and three great grandchildren: Farren Sams, Bryan Sams, and James Weyrens.
He will be missed and remembered forever as a true "classic," a wonderful and loving father, and a loyal friend to many.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Orchard, Manhattan Nursing Home, and most especially, Wendy Kelly, who helped care for him in his final years.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend funeral services at St. Andrews Episcopal Cathedral, 305 E. Capitol St., Jackson, Mississippi on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at 2:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of Jim's life at the home of Kathryn and Lee Sams, 2515 Eastover Drive, in Jackson.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Andrews Episcopal Cathedral, The Mississippi Museum of Art, The Jackson Symphony Orchestra, or the Parkinson's Foundation would be welcomed.
Published in Clarion Ledger on Dec. 9, 2018
Dado enjoyed playing golf, croquet, bridge, and travelling. He was a prolific painter, inspired by the works of Theora Hamblett and Vincent Van Gogh. He employed a primitive style in his artwork and described it as "Naive Impressionism." His paintings have enriched many collections throughout the South and have been admired by renowned artists such as Alan Flattmann and Bill Dunlap. Dunlap said, "Jim Becker's painting is a direct and natural response to our visual world. If Becker sees it, he can paint it, and you will know it."
He loved to host parties at his home to celebrate life events or to cheer on his alma mater, and he was a very accomplished cook. He had a zest for life and loved to share time with family and friends at any opportunity. These events were often punctuated by Jim's favorite and infectious expression, "That's a Classic!"
Jim graduated from Ole Miss in 1954 with English and History majors and belonged to the SAE fraternity. He married Kathryn Yerger of Jackson in 1954 and entered the Navy through the Navy ROTC program the same year. With a rank of Lieutenant JG, he completed his naval tour of duty on the East Coast of the United States on the LST 880.
He entered Law School at Ole Miss and graduated in 1958. Jim and Kathryn moved to Jackson, where he joined the law firm of Watkins and Eager. He practiced law for over 50 years and had experience in many different types of legal matters. In later years, he concentrated in products liability cases for many manufacturers, medical malpractice defense, and family law. He was a member of the Product Liability Advisory Council and the American Board of Trial Advocates. He had a long and distinguished record as a trial lawyer, employing his considerable communication and storytelling skills to many a positive verdict for his clients.
The stage was set for Dado's love of family before he was born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, in 1932. His father, James Angelo Becker, was the ninth of twelve siblings, known as the "Big 12." With birth years spanning 1898 to 1938, Dado was one of 45 children of the "Big 12." As a child, "Jimmy" filled in at the family bridge games as soon as he was old enough to hold cards and count. He was a good student, a cheerleader at Brookhaven High, and he worked at the Brookhaven Creamery on Saturdays and after school for many years. He was instrumental in planning two major Becker family reunions in 1994 and 2006. In earlier years, Jim and his sisters, Adine Becker Hill and Sally Becker Denhollem, would gather with their families at their father's home in Brookhaven for Easter and other special holidays.
Jim is survived by his three children: James Y. "Jamie" Becker (Norma), Kathryn Becker Sams (Lee), and Ed Becker (Hillis). He is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Will Becker and Maggie Becker Prezioso (Crawford); Becker Sams (Weatherly), Sara Sams Weyrens (Nick), Taylor Sams (Allie); and Duncan, Olivia, and Anna Kathryn Becker; and three great grandchildren: Farren Sams, Bryan Sams, and James Weyrens.
He will be missed and remembered forever as a true "classic," a wonderful and loving father, and a loyal friend to many.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Orchard, Manhattan Nursing Home, and most especially, Wendy Kelly, who helped care for him in his final years.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend funeral services at St. Andrews Episcopal Cathedral, 305 E. Capitol St., Jackson, Mississippi on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at 2:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of Jim's life at the home of Kathryn and Lee Sams, 2515 Eastover Drive, in Jackson.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Andrews Episcopal Cathedral, The Mississippi Museum of Art, The Jackson Symphony Orchestra, or the Parkinson's Foundation would be welcomed.
Published in Clarion Ledger on Dec. 9, 2018
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