James Beeler

Hancock, Maryland
James Edward Beeler, age 72, of Hancock, Md., passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 22, 2012.

Born Dec. 6, 1939, in Berkeley Springs, W.Va., he was the son of the late Henry Cyrus Beeler, Sr., and Edith Viola Pritchard Beeler.

He served in the 167th W.Va. Air National Guard, from 1964 through 1970, where he reached the rank of S/Sgt. He served as an Aircraft Engine Technician, and received a Certificate of Achievement in Small Arms Marksmanship.  He retired from employment at AT&T in 1990, and moved to his final residence on Heavenly Acres Ridge.  Jim enjoyed spending his retirement working on his and his wife’s home, and tending to their land.

He was a member of the Hancock Lions Club, in which he was heavily involved, including holding the post of past president.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Dianne Beeler, whom he married on September 29, 1967; his sister, Eleanor Lea Batt, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va.; along with his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his step-son, Kenneth Craig McReaken, in 1990; and his brother, Henry “Buck” Cyrus Beeler, Jr., in 2000.

A service will be held on Saturday, May 26, at 10 a.m. at the Grove Funeral Home in Hancock, Md.  Rev. Duane Jensen will officiate.  Burial will be in the Union Cemetery, Rt. 522 North, McConnellsburg, Pa.

The family will receive friends at Grove Funeral Home, 141 West Main Street, Hancock, Md., on Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Washington County, 747 Northern Ave., Hagerstown, Md. 21742, or Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 North Wolf Street, Baltimore, Md. 21287

Online condolences will be accepted at www.grovefh.com