James L. Beck, 71, of South Williamsport, passed away Sept. 17, 2018. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, the former Margaret A. “Peggy” Getgen whom he married on Jan.
7, 1970. Born Oct. 30, 1946, in Williamsport, he is a son of the late James A. and Louise E. (Focht) Beck.
Jim had many fond memories of his childhood years growing up on the family farm in the Valley before moving to Washington Boulevard as a teenager. Jim served his country proudly in the United States Army. He was the owner, master plumber and operator of Roto-Rooter Plumbing and Drain Services for 33 years before retiring in 2005 and handing the business over to his son.
Jim was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church, the VFW Duboistown Post 7863 and the Zafar Grotto Rafaz Club South Williamsport. He was a member of Ivy Lodge 397, F&A.M., and a 32nd degree member of the Williamsport Consistory. He was an NRA life member and also the 40 & 8 SOL Club.
Jim was a former member of the South Williamsport Lions Club and a former volunteer fire fighter for Independent Fire Co., South Williamsport. Jim belonged to many organizations and had a passion for each of them with some being Safari International, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Quality Deer Management Association. Jim believed in his civic duties to his country and community and was a man with a large personality and many hobbies.
He was a bee keeper, a bonfire builder extraordinaire and a self-made arborist who loved his fruit and nut trees. Jim was an accomplished hunter who had the opportunity to travel and hunt around the world. He enjoyed all kinds of fishing whether it be the river, deep sea or surf fishing.
Most of all Jim loved the family he made with Peggy, but especially his children and grandchildren. Surviving in addition to his wife are two children, Carrie L. (William B.) Evelhair, of Hughesville, and James L. (Kristin L.) Beck Jr. of Williamsport; 5 grandchildren, Chase Waller, of Loyalsock, Hailey, Kylie, Braden and Brenna Beck, all of Williamsport; six siblings, Constance (Dennis) Hamm, Dennis (Christine) Beck, Timothy (Anne) Beck, Donald (Carol) Beck, Vincent Beck, all of Williamsport, and Sharon (Mike) Beattie, of South Williamsport; a sister-in-law, Laura Beck, of Milton; several nieces and nephews and his beloved pets. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by two brothers, John L. Beck and S. Todd Beck.
A graveside service to honor the life of Jim will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, at Green Lawn Memorial Park, 62 PA-54, Montgomery, PA, with full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s name to the Children’s Development Center 625 W. Edwin St., Williamsport, PA 17701, or Special Olympics of Lycoming County c/o Marc Follmer, PO Box 1891, Williamsport, PA 17703.
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