James Henry Beagle
April 27, 1924 to June 11, 2018

Fourth of five children, Jim was born in Lyons, Colorado, to John Olie Beagle and Pearl Ava Howell Beagle. In 1933 the family moved back to Coos Bay, Oregon. As a young boy, Jim enjoyed going fly fishing with his dad and playing the trombone in the school band. In 1942 Jim graduated from Marshfield High School in Coos Bay. For a short time he was a student at Oregon State University before joining the service.

Jim was very proud to be a WWII Veteran. At the age of 19, he enlisted in the US Army Air Force. He trained to be a single engine fighter pilot and piloted P-40 and P-47 aircraft. He was proud to have trained to fight for his country and grateful for never having to go to combat because the war ended.

When WWII was over, Jim went home to Coos Bay where he met his wife of 52 years, Leona (Lee) Louise Hughes. They were married in 1951 and moved to Oakland, where their daughter was born, then to Hayward and finally to Eureka in 1962. Jim’s vocational career ended with him retiring from California Division of Highways as Lab Engineer. The stretch of freeway from Leggett to Laytonville and the Prairie Creek bypass were among his favorite projects.

Throughout his life family and friends knew Jim as being equally proud of his family, serving his country and being true to himself and his deep religious beliefs.

Jim was involved in service organizations, including the Eureka Masonic Lodge, Eureka Moose Lodge, Eureka Elks Lodge, businessmen’s groups and North Coast Vintage Aviation Society.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Lee, his brother John Olie Beagle, his sisters Maxine Pearl Chambers, Leonora Isabelle Weissman, Dorothy May Beagle (aka Jesse) and his nephew Joel Helle. Jim is survived by his daughter Jayme Pearl Beagle Turner, son-in-law David Russell Turner, grandson James Russell Turner and Shirley Arruda, whom he would always refer to as his “lady friend.” And many nieces and nephews.

Both Jim and Lee will be buried together with Military Funeral Honors service at the California Veterans Cemetery, 11800 Gas Point Road, Igo, on Nov. 15, 2018 at 11 a.m.

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