James "Jim" Beck

James “Jim” Arthur Beck, a beloved husband, father, brother, and respected engineer, passed away on December 17, 2024, at the age of 85. He was born to Clifford and Vera Beck on June 19, 1939, and grew up in Paris, Illinois with his two sisters, Jackie and Nancy. After graduating from Paris High School in 1957, James “Jim” continued his post-secondary education at Rose Polytechnic Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana. While working three jobs, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1961. After graduating from college, he went to work for the Indiana Flood Control and Water Resources Commission in Indianapolis, Indiana and was there from 1961 to 1964. In 1964, he moved to Topeka, Kansas to continue his engineering career and held many positions within the private and public sectors in Topeka and Chanute, Kansas and Cedar Falls, Iowa, retiring from his profession back in Topeka in June of 2002. In 1962, he enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserve and served his Country reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant with experience in the area of water and wastewater processing until he was honorably discharged in 1968. While working in Topeka, Jim married Carol Ann Harris, with the ceremony occurring in their hometown of Paris, Illinois, on June 13, 1965. During their 59-year marriage, they raised two sons, Craig Douglas and Kevin Wayne. Jim was dedicated to his marriage, raising his sons, and to his career as an engineer. He instilled in his sons the values of hard work, dedication, and the importance of always striving to do their best in everything they do. Jim was an active member of the Topeka Civitan Club, Kaw Valley Woodcarvers, North Topeka Band, Marshalls Civic Band, Cedar Falls Municipal Band, Northeast Iowa Camera Club, Kansas Society of Professional Engineers, Kansas Consulting Engineers, and Iowa Engineering Society. He was also a longtime active member of First Baptist Church. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Vera Beck and his sister, Jackie Fletcher. He is survived by his wife, Carol of Topeka, Kansas; sister Nancy Wilson (Dwight) of Marshall, Illinois; sons, Craig Beck (Jennie) of Bonner Springs, Kansas and Kevin Beck (DeAnne) of Topeka, Kansas; grandchildren Hayden Beck, Hailey Beck, Rachel Beck, Sarah Beck, Daniel Beck, and Hannah Beck. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Sherwood Lake Club, 6910 SW Fountaindale Road, Topeka KS 66614. Memorial contributions may be made to Sheltered Living of Topeka, 3401 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, Kansas 66611 or Topeka Civitan Club, PO Box 1204, Topeka, Kansas 66601 Condolences may be sent online at www.kevinbrennanfamily.com

James "Jim" Beck

June 19, 1939 - December 17, 2024