James “Jim” Edward Beach, 83, of Bryant AL ( formerly of Red Bank ) passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2020. He grew up in North Chattanooga, went on to serve in The US Navy, and was retired from TVA.
In the Navy, he served aboard the destroyer USS Richard E Kraus stationed out of Norfolk, VA. His retirement was filled with many trips to reunite with his Navy friends. He had a love for sports ( particularly running and golf ) his entire life. He was an avid runner in Chattanooga and a founding member of The Chattanooga Track Club. He was a two time winner of the track club’s Runner of the Year award. He completed several marathons during his running years in Chattanooga, Atlanta, Huntsville, New Orleans, and Boston. On July 4th, 1970, he was one of 110 runners who ran in the inaugural Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta. The race would eventually grow to over 60,000 participants. As one of the “original 110”, he annually received an invitation to run and attend the race and reunion events which he did so as long as he was physically able.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Alice Beach; stepson Dale King; grandson Dustin Scott; brothers Arthur Beach Jr, Paul Beach; sisters Frances Cleveland, Louise Teague, Dorothy May Boatman.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Dora Beach, daughters Larondia Scott ( Darrell ) of Lookout Mountain, GA, Tamara Beach of Chattanooga, sons James Beach ( Angie ) of Trenton, GA, Dennis Beach ( Tiffany) of Clearwater Beach, FL, grandchildren Heather Wallin (Levi), Jae Beach (Savannah), Emily Beach, Ava Beach, Reagan Beach, great grandchildren Augustus Wallin and Maximus Wallin, several nieces and nephews.
A private memorial service will be held with the Rev Guindal Knight officiating.
Donations can be made to The American Cancer Society.