James Merlin Beals

James Merlin Beals was born on October 18, 1919 in Sioux City, Iowa. He was raised on the family farm in Unity, Wisconsin by his uncle and aunt, Walter and Lillian Wieland. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and met his future bride at church youth group activities. Upon graduation from Unity High School, he spent a year in what is now Wisconsin-Stevens Point University where he played on the football team. After serving a year and a half in the United States Navy at the close of World War II, he and his growing family moved to Chicago and settled down in Franklin Park. Jim worked for almost 20 years with Lee Electric, a company that installed and repaired electric motors. He then bought a third share of Industrial Hard Chrome in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. A businessman at heart, the company grew rapidly under his leadership. He eventually attained full ownership of the business until he retired and sold the business in 1985. In addition to working, Jim fulfilled his civic duty by becoming a commissioner in the Franklin Park, IL Park District. He served in that capacity for about 20 years. Franklin Park now has a James M. Beals award for outstanding service to the Park District. To his associates, he was known as “Mr. Park District.” He remained an active businessman in Southwest Florida after selling Industrial Hard Chrome. He owned and managed the Beals Bonita Building. As a hobby, he raced radio controlled boats and has dozens of trophies attesting to his proficiency in this activity. As mentioned above, the love of his life was Pearl Julia Meyer. They were married on July 25, 1940 and celebrated their 78th wedding anniversary. This union produced 3 children, each of whom survive Jim. Jim died 99 years 2 months and 4 days after his earthly birth on December 22, 2018. He was predeceased by his parents and 3 sisters. He is survived by: His wife, Pearl Beals of Bonita Springs, FL; His son, Alan Beals of Berwyn, Il; His son and daughter-in-law Dennis and Carmen Beals of Phoenix, AZ; His daughter and son-in-law, Tom and Peggy Ramsey of Bonita Springs, FL; 9 grandchildren [Laura, Valerie, Vicky, Matt, Jennifer, Jodie, Jeana, Jeff and Brian] 10 great-grandchildren [Richard, Madison, Morgan, Julia, Benjamin, Timothy, Samuel, Christian, Tommy, Audrey] and Many other relatives and friends. There will be a memorial service celebrating Jim’s life at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Shikany’s Bonita Springs Funeral Home at 28300 Tamiami Trail South. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

James Merlin Beals

October 18, 1919 - December 22, 2018