James Robert Beam, 82, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, on May 26, 2026, at his home in The Villages, Florida.
Born in Joliet, Illinois, on April 22, 1944, he was known to many as Jim, Jimmy, Beamer, and, most lovingly, “Bubba” to family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and friend whose kindness, strength, and unwavering dedication to his family defined his life.
Bubba was raised in Manhattan, Illinois, a small farming community that remained close to his heart throughout his life. There, he developed the values of family, friendship, hard work, and community that guided him throughout his life. He proudly served in the United States Army before marrying Maureen (Glester) Beam, on March 13, 1971. Together they shared 55 years of marriage and raised three children after settling in Maitland, Florida, in 1978.
Bubba spent more than 30 years with Southern Bell Telephone, providing for his family with dedication and integrity. Following his retirement in 2000, he and Maureen made The Villages their home, where they enjoyed many wonderful years with family and friends.
Bubba never met a project he couldn’t tackle. Whether fixing something around the house, helping his children with repairs, grilling for family, playing golf, fishing, swimming, singing, or playing cards, he found joy in being with the people he loved. His warmth, humor, generosity, and willingness to lend a hand made him someone others naturally gravitated toward.
His greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Maureen; his children, Jennifer Patricia D’hollander (Geert D’hollander), James Francis Beam (Machala Beam), and Jacquelyn Kathleen D’Alessandro (Mike D’Alessandro); and his cherished grandchildren, Michael and Nicholas D’Alessandro, and James, Jackson, and Briley Beam. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Lois Beam, and his sisters, Dorothy Ingraham and Shirley Beam.
Following a courageous four-year battle with leukemia, Bubba is now at peace. His family finds comfort in knowing he has been reunited with the loved ones who went before him. His legacy lives on through the family he adored, the friendships he treasured, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness, laughter, and unwavering love.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Timothy Catholic Church in The Villages, Florida, on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.