James Delbert Beavers Sr., known as "JD", age 92, currently of Romeoville, died on January 2, 2013 at his home at Senior Star at Webster Place in Romeoville. JD was born in Blackwell, Oklahoma on November 16, 1920, the son of Amos C. and Edna (Frymire) Beavers. At age 11, his family moved from Oklahoma to Lemont, IL. JD graduated from Lemont Township High School in 1938. He attended Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL. JD was employed by Globe Oil Company but enlisted in the US Army in September, 1942. Before his military service took him to Europe, JD married his high school sweetheart, Norma Andersen on May 22, 1943. JD served as a litter bearer in the European Conflict with the 28th Division. After World War II, he returned to Lemont and purchased 3 acres of land on High Road in Lockport, IL where he built his home and lived with his wife and family until February, 2012. JD continued to work at Globe Oil Refinery (currently Citgo) as it became Pure Oil, Union 76 and finally Unocal. His hobby became gardening and farming. After 44 years of service he retired in 1985 and continued to raise Black Agnus cattle, raise various crops and work in his garden. Iin addition ot being an active member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lemont, JD served on the school board of Lockport's district #92 from 1964-1976. He was also a longtime member fo American Legion Post #243 in Lemont, the American Angus Association, and the Will County Farm Bureau. He was well-known for his homemade bread and caramel corn. JD is survived by his wife Norma and 4 children, Jane (Philip) Johns of Whitewater, WI, James Jr. (Marilyn), Jeffry (Nina) and Jill Beavers, all of Lockport. He is also survived by grandchildren, Timothy (Monica) Johns of Naperville, Just Beavers of Taylorville, Rachel Johns (Ty Goodman) of Seattle, WA, Deirdre Johns (Mark) Anderson of Portland, OR, Ashley, Jeremy and Jacob Beavers of Lockport and 4 great-grandchildren, Joshua, Timothy and Megan of Naperville and Kira of Portland, OR. He will be missed by sister-in-law Marjorie Beavers and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in deaty by his parents, his brother Royce Kent Beavers and infant granddaughter, Molly Elizabeth Beavers. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 4. 2013 from 2-8pm at the Gerharz-Cappetta Funeral Home, 501 State St., Lemont. Complimentary valet parking will be provided. Funeral services Saturday 11am at St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Will lie in state from 10am till time of services. Interment Fairmount Willow Hills Cemetery, Willow Springs. The family has asked to please omit flowers and instead send memorials in JD's name to St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 305 Lemont St., Lemont 60439. Info Gerharz-Cappetta Funeral Home, (630) 257-2123.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
It was of rite of passage for each of my dad's grandkids to be taken to Uncle JD's to see the cows. The kids were always wide eyed when he called and 1 or 2 came close. Better than any petting zoo!
I loved talking with him. He was always reading an interesting book and was always current on politics.
He was a great hardworking man and deserves his rest now. I know he and my dad are up in heaven finally free of their frail earthly bodies having lots of laughs!
Mary Ann Senko
January 6, 2013
I am sorry to hear of J.D. passing. I worked with him for many years, and I admired him very much. He was really a special person. Bob Ruettiger
January 5, 2013
Uncle J. D. was as hard working a human being as I have encountered! He was always kind to me and my siblings. He provided work for us during the summers baling hay and paid us fairly ($1.50 per hour at the time). Uncle J. D. would often let we, the Beavers gang down the road, join his family at the Pure Oil quarry on hot summer days and we loved it. Being even braindead back then I jumped right in the cool deep water for the first time without the ability to swim. My cousin Jane (J.D. & Norma's daughter) saved me and has regretted it ever since. Uncle J. D. loved to hear my dad's jokes and would often laugh so hard he cried. You can bet my dad is telling his brother some whoppers right now! Peace and Love,
McDonald J. (Mac) Beavers
Oklahoma
January 5, 2013
Dear Norma and family,
I am so saddened to hear of JD's passing. I absolutely loved working with him, and completely admired his drive and determination to get stronger. He was a joy to talk to and have in the gym as he rode our bike for an hour. I find myself fortunate that I got to know him so well, and my heartfelt condolences go out to you.
Suzy Prybell
January 4, 2013
Dear Norma, Jane, Jim, Jeff, Jill and families. So sorry to hear of JD's passing. Remember him with much fondness, as always being the willing parent to go the extra mile to give us all rides to games, confirmation, Walther League, etc. Always a smiling face. In recent years, I've run into Jim and have been reminded so very much of JD. You all have so very much to be thankful for that he has been with you all these years to share all of your accomplishments and life events. Love to all.
Thelma Kelm Rhind
January 4, 2013
Dear Aunt Norma and Cousins,
I remember as a little girl, during the summer, Uncle J.D. would call and ask our family to go to the Pure Oil quarry to swim. I remember him driving with "no hands" down New Avenue and me being afraid -- I didn't realize until I got older he was driving with his knees on the lower part of the steering wheel.
I remember driving by his house one day in later years and he was sitting on a swing talking to Aunt Norma. The next time I saw my Dad I said "I saw Uncle J.D. sitting down" because I rarely saw that, and then my talked about all of Uncle J.D.s interests and how hard he worked.
Uncle J.D. was always thin but had a healthy appetite. My Dad was having dinner with him one night and Uncle J.D. had his plate piled high with food. My Dad said that was the first time he ever saw a China plate bend.
Uncle J.D. was an amazing man and someone to be admired. I hope that the many happy memories of him will bring comfort to you during this sad time. How blessed we all were to have known him.
Peace and Love,
Carol
January 3, 2013
Dear Family of JD,
I am so sad to hear of his passing. I admired JD very much. He was his own man, and determined to 'get things done', and do it the right way. And he did. He led the way for his family to become one of the most productive farms in the area while still holding full-time jobs. He led the way in thoughtfully developing an Angus herd that was not large, but had as much quality per head as any other. He was a bright example of "The Greatest Generation" to his family and many others.
JD Beavers had a life well lived. Sincerely, Bill Eaton, Macomb, IL.
January 3, 2013
Dear Jane, Phil and family, Jer and I send our deepest sympathy to you at the loss of your dad, father-in-law and grandpa. God be with you as you celebrate his life,grieve and in joy thank God for the assurance of Heaven. God bless your family time and may you all share peace from Him.
Karen Schoenefeld
January 3, 2013
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more