James "Ed" Beckham of Hartwell, Georgia, age 81 died on November 14, 2007 after a long illness.
He was born in Memphis, TN on January 21, 1926, the son of the late Jefferson and Lucille Beckham. He was a member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church and a resident of Hart County for 25 years. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the U.S. Navy.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine; son and daughter-in-law, Gregory and Ann Beckham of South Riding, VA; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Bill Brown of Marietta, GA; and daughter, Claire Delany of Charleston, SC. He had five grandchildren; Catherine Beckham Hall, Thomas Beckham, Jon Beckham, Katie Brown McCollum and Benjamin T. Brown. He had three great-grandchildren; Alexander James McCollum, Audrey Claire McCollum and Jonathan Patrick Thomas Hall; and one sister, Gloria B. Everett of Decatur, GA. He was predeceased by one brother, Claud L. Beckham of South Orange, NJ.
Mr. Beckham was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson College of Law; past President and member of the Georgia Seedsmen's Association; served as Secretary-Treasurer for the American Seed Trade Association for ten years; and was honored by the Chevron Chemical-Ortho Company for outstanding service to the Lawn and Garden Industry. He was co-owner of Everett Seed Company, Atlanta, GA and retired in 1983. Before moving to Hartwell, he was active on several committees for the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta, and served Troop 47, Boy Scouts of America, at St. Thomas More Church, Decatur, GA for ten years in several capacities including Scoutmaster.
His hobby was the restoration of British MG Classic cars, loving to drive his favorites to car rallies. He organized the Southeastern MG Car Club in 1973 with eight members. It has grown to greater than 175 members from all over the Southeast, each with the same love for these beautiful vintage autos. Many car trophies adorn the shelves in his den.
After moving to Hartwell, he served as the Treasurer for the Hart County Community Theatre for five years. He was devoted to the Meals on Wheels Program and delivered meals to those in need for many years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #109, and an election poll worker for Hart County.
A memorial service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 1009 Benson Street,
Hartwell, GA 30643 on November 19, 2007at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Parkinson's Association, 135 Parkinson Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305 or Odyssey Hospice Care, 575 Research Dr., Ste A, Athens, GA 30605.