James “Jim” Beatty, 71 years of age, passed suddenly of an Aortic Aneurysm on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri.

Jim was born October 12, 1952, Auburn, Nebraska to the late Ralph and Ruth Beatty. He was the youngest of 4 children with older brother Rex and sisters Karen and Sharon raised in Peru, Nebraska. He completed Pre-Engineering at Peru State College from 1970-1972. He acquired an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Nebraska in May of 1976.

Jim married Barbara Brady May 28, 1976, and remained together for 48 years. Jim and Barb Beatty moved to Kansas City, Missouri where he was employed by Bendix-Honeywell Aerospace Division for 30 years. Jim continued his education with a master’s degree in electrical engineering in May of 1978. Daughter Jessica was born May 30, 1978, and son Jonathan was born July 13, 1979. Jim and his family lived in Kansas City and Lee’s Summit, Missouri area for a total of 48 years.

Jim enjoyed a host of hobbies that ranged from athletics to science and technology. He coached AAU basketball for his son Jonathan and his grandsons Owen, Trey and Tristen.

Jim explored religion and believed in a creator. Jim enjoyed travel with his wife across the United States, the Caymen Islands, the Bahamas and even Canada. Most of all Jim enjoyed family and conversation. He tried so very hard to make the right decisions for those around him, even when those decisions were unpopular. He enjoyed life and loved fiercely to share it with those he cared about. Conversations lasted for hours with hot tea, or a glass of wine. Big moments were capped with stories, laughter, hugs and a shot of whiskey..

Jim celebrated life, taking in the present by saying, “Stay, Now, Right Now!”

Jim leaves to cherish his loving memory his wife Barb, daughter Jessica, son Jonathan, brother Rex, sister Karen, sister Sharon, granddaughter Holly, grandsons Tristen, Trey, Owen and a host of nieces, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be Saturday, July 20, 4:30 p.m. at the Peru Community Church. Casual dress is requested by the family.

Memorials suggested in lieu of flowers to Peru State College Geraldine and Albert Brady Scholarship in memory of Jim Beatty.

Services are entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.