James “Jim” Decator Beaty went home to be with Jesus on Dec. 5, 2020, at age 88. He was a hard-working man who loved his family, his Lord and his country. His death will leave a huge empty place in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
Jim was born to Simeon and Thelma Beaty on Feb. 7, 1932 in Lamont. Fla. Jim was an Army Veteran who served his country during the Korean Conflict (1952-1955). He was a Sergeant, spending 29 months in Japan. After returning from the service, Jim met his wife Barbara on a blind date in Fort Lauderdale in 1955. They married in 1956 and raised four sons. Through the years, Mr. Beaty worked for Meekins Concrete Company, before opening Beaty’s Garage in Hollywood, Fla., with his father. He also worked as head mechanic for Carolina Freight Carriers. Over 30 years ago, he moved to Live Oak and established Beaty Truck Parts, where he continued to work and manage business affairs until recently.
Jim was a loving husband of 64 years, a devoted father and was loved by his grand and great-grandchildren. He would not hesitate to share his opinions with anyone, and was a man of strong faith and solid beliefs. Throughout his life, he held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those around him. He loved his Lord Jesus Christ and served Him faithfully. He loved his church, Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Madison, Fla., where he served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and faithful member. He will be greatly missed by his family, his church family and all those who knew him.
Jim joins many friends and family members already in Heaven. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons, Kem (Cheryl) of Jennings, Fla., Kerry (Laquita) of Plant City, Fla., Simeon (Becky) of Jacksonville, NC, Scott (Mayla) of Live Oak, Fla., and niece/daughter, Elizabeth Shumate. He will be missed by his 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, from 6-8 p.m., at Daniels Funeral Home, 1126 Ohio Ave N, Live Oak, Fla. 32064. On Dec. 9, 2020, visitation was held at 11 a.m., with Celebration of Life Services following at 12 noon at the Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, 3399 US-90, Madison, Fla. 32340. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be sent to the Landmark Baptist Church Building Fund, 3399 W. Hwy 90, Madison, Fla. 32340. Please sign the guestbook at www.danielsfuneralhome.com. Daniels Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., Live Oak & Branford, Fla., was in charge of arrangements.