James “Jim” Bean Sr. passed away at 12:50 a.m. Jan. 11, 2018, in Warsaw’s Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was 87 years old.
Jim was born June 28, 1930, in Elkville, Ill., to Marion and Daisy Bean. He was raised in the family home alongside his siblings, two of whom survive: Pearl Mae Stokes, Plymouth, and Bonnie Spiller, Royalton, Ill. He was preceded in passing by four brothers: Audie, Tom, “Buddy Boy” and Gene, as well as two sisters, Elsie and Ruby.
On June 16, 1951, Jim was married to Whelemina L. Jarvis.
He is further survived by their seven children: James N. Bean Jr. (spouse Tina), Arlington, Texas; Mary A. Marsillett (spouse James), Warsaw; Melody S. Shaffer (spouse Mitch), Elkhart; Kenneth W. Bean, Warsaw; Lea Ann Richardson, (spouse Rick), Warsaw; Laura Kay Hale (spouse Tom), Iowa Park, Texas; and Rose M. Cotton (spouse Charlie), Claypool.
In addition to his children, Jim shared four stepchildren with former spouse Merle Bean of Arkansas: Steve Halfacre, Florida; Tim Halfacre, Arkansas; Lori Halfacre, Georgia; and Lynn Breeden, Indiana, all of whom survive. He is also survived by 32 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
He also was preceded in death by daughter Terri Lynn, granddaughter Brandy Bean, great-granddaughter Megan Scott, spouse Whelemina L. Bean and spouse Ora Mae Bean, as well as two stepchildren, Terry and Cherita.
Jim joined the United States Army and served his country in the Korean War. During his service he was awarded the Korean Service medal, earning three bronze service stars and the United Nations Service medal. He was honorably discharged and went on to serve six years in the Army Reserve.
Music was always a big part of Jim’s life. Over the years, he played in several bands including the Mid-Western All Stars, with whom he toured with Don and Herman Webb, brothers to country star Loretta Lynn. Crystal Gayle, Loretta’s sister, would also play with them when her career began. Jim also played with Troy and the Indiana 3, Mark IV, Cimeron, Clearwater, Bar Room Buddies and Saffire Band.
The family will receive friends for a time of visitation and sharing memories at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 E. Sheridan St., Warsaw, from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13. A funeral service will follow, beginning at 1 p.m., with Dr. Ronald E. Manahan officiating.
Burial will be in Warsaw’s Oakwood Cemetery, with military honors provided by the members of the American Legion and VFW.
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Memorials to Heart to Heart Hospice, 620 Edison Road, Suite 122, Mishawaka, IN 46545.
To sign the guestbook or send condolences, visit www.TitusFuneralHome.com.
