Irving (Jim) James Beams, 87 of Richmond, Vermont: A few weeks shy of his 88th birthday, Jim passed away peacefully after a very brief illness on March 29th, 2024. He was a renaissance man, and one of those people who was good at most everything he did. Jim grew up in a military family, moving around from state to state during childhood. His family eventually settled in the South Burlington and Shelburne area, and graduated from Burlington High School in 1955. He attended New England Conservatory for a year, and then transferred and graduated from the University of Vermont, with a degree in Music Education.

He was a Navy pilot, stationed on the USS Essex CV-9 Carrier. A music teacher, able to play many instruments, his primary was the trumpet. While studying music at New England conservatory, his professors discovered his strong voice, and convinced him to forgo the trumpet and focus on singing. He became an accomplished opera singer, performing with the Metropolitan Opera, and later founded the Vermont Opera Company with friends. He had one of the most beautiful tenor voices you'd ever hear. After getting his teaching degree from the University of Vermont, Jim was a music educator for over 20 years, teaching from small town one room school houses to colleges in the 1960-1980's.

Jim married Katherine King of Bennington in 1980, they met while serving in the Army Guard. He earned his most cherished title as 'Dad' when Stephen arrived in 1982, then Robynn shortly after in 1983. The Beams' family home was in Richmond, where he lived for over 40 years. He was an exceptionally supportive, strict and doting father. His favorite thing to do was brag about his children. The ultimate sports dad, there was no mistaking when he was on the sidelines cheering on the kids & critiquing the refs. When his wife Katherine unexpectedly passed away in 2002, Jim became the sole and steadfast supporter of Stephen and Robynn as they navigated their college years and young adulthood.

He was an avid outdoorsman, an expert marksman, VT Deputy Game Warden and artist. His last career was his own business, 'JB Aero & Son' as an aircraft mechanic, where he specialized in the full restoration of antique and classic, fabric covered airplanes. He loved working alongside his son for many years, leading Stephen to a successful career in aviation, which was one of Jim's proudest legacies. He'd been fully retired for about ten years, and found himself sharing his voice with his rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner to kick off Green Mountain Roller Derby bouts, local high school hockey, and both UVM hockey & basketball games. He had a gruff side, but was always big hearted and loved to talk to anyone willing to lend an ear. When he became "papa", there's no doubt he cherished his three grandchildren.

Jim leaves behind his children: Son Stephen Beams, wife Marikje Shelmandine and their children Katherine and Arthur of Jericho, and Daughter Robynn Beams Conley, husband Bob Conley and their son August of Vergennes. His nephew Alan Beams and wife Kelley Beams of Colchester.

Larger than life, he had the loudest whistle, yell and singing voice you'd ever hear, and most importantly he lived and loved, booming and big. His over the top presence and souring beautiful voice will always be with us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Meals on Wheels Vermont. https://www.agewellvt.org/giving-back/donate/