James Thomas “Jim” Beckius, age 94, of North Platte, Nebraska passed away March 5, 2021, at Linden Court in North Platte.
Jim was born on September 20, 1926, in Stapleton, NE to John L and Faye (Heldenbrand) Beckius. Jim graduated from Baker Rural High School, Stapleton, NE in 1943. At the age of 16, he then entered the United States Navy, and served during WWII until 1946, serving as a tail gunner and a radioman. After his honorable discharge he returned to North Platte, NE. Jim was united in marriage to Phyllis Jean Schaffer on February 20, 1950 in North Platte. Jim hired out for the Union Pacific Railroad in 1947 and retired as a conductor in 1983, due to an injury at work.
He loved to fly and had his own airplane. Enjoyed traveling, hunting and shooting. Loved to “bottle dig’ and collect bottles. Jim was a member of the American Legion, Moose, Eagles and the Flat Rock Car Club. He enjoyed old cars, but not working on them, along with being an avid historian, collector of pictures and author of books on North Platte. He was the leading force in establishing the 20th Century Veteran’s Memorial. Jim enjoyed big band music. He will be remembered as being very giving, even in the nursing home giving suckers and animals to kids that come to visit.
Jim is survived by his children Marsha (Rex) Reece of North Platte, Nebraska and John (Wendy) Beckius of Glenwood Springs, Colorado; grandchildren, Chad (Lea) Reece of North Platte, NE, Josh Reece of North Platte, NE, Joe (Denise) Beckius of Pensacola, FL, Cody (Alisha) Beckius of Ft. Collins, CO, and Shane ( fiancés Sadie) Beckius of Grand Junction, CO; 8 great grandchildren, Brian, Mina, Jaiden, Roman, Destini, Journey, Ethan and Wes; special cousin Cindy Schroeder of Phoenix, AZ; as well as numerous other family members and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis; his parents; a grandson Jesse; and brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Eloise Beckius.
Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice of a Veteran’s organization. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Christian Wake Service will be 7:00 p.m. Sunday, March 14, 2021, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in North Platte, NE. Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 a.m. Monday, March 15, 2021 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church with Reverend Mark Seiker as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, NE. Visitation will be noon until 4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 14, 2021 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home in North Platte, which is in charge of arrangements.