RUGGLES – James William Beattie, 72, of Greenwich, passed on from this earth to his heavenly home on June 8, 2025, at his home—on the farm that meant so much to him—with his family surrounding him, following a 9-week battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was born on June 23, 1952, in Ashland. Jim was the first son of Bill and Miriam (Bender) Beattie.
Jim graduated from Mapleton High School in 1970, where he was involved in FFA, earning his State FFA Degree and later helping organize most of the Class of 1970’s reunions.
He married the love of his life, Becky Whitcomb, on July 17, 1971, and they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2021.
Jim was employed at Donley Feed & Seed during high school, then at Jennings Ready Mix (Moritz) right out of school, and finished his career with the Ashland County Highway Garage, retiring after 30 years. After retirement, he came home to farm full-time—his lifelong dream. He also began hauling livestock, something he continued right up until his stroke in April.
Jim was a farmer, just like the generations of Beattie men before and after him. If you knew him, you knew there was no other place he’d rather be. He loved all things farming—from raising livestock, farrowing hogs, and feeding out cattle, to planting and harvesting the fields. Jim was an Ashland County Fair Board Director for more than 30 years and a member of the Ohio Farm Bureau and the Ashland County Cattlemen’s Association.
Jim is survived by his wife, Becky. Together they raised three children and were blessed with eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Kim (Dan) McQuate and their children Alyssa and Jevin McQuate. Matt (Jennifer) Beattie and their children, Colton (Allison) Beattie; Julia (Dakota) Howell and their sons Maxwell and Calvin; Lauren (Hayden) Johnson and their son Lane; Jenna (Troy) Cole and their son Willard; Riley (Autumn) Beattie; Jacob Anderson and Gracen Beattie. Steve (Sarah) Beattie and their children Logan and Owen Beattie. He is also survived by his siblings, Sandy (Ted) Turk, Linda Knee, and Don (Dreama) Beattie; and many nieces and nephews.
Jim is preceded in death by his mother Miriam and his father, Bill (Louise) Beattie; his infant daughter, SueAnn; brother-in-law, Rex Knee; and special aunt, Ruth Beattie, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Jim and his family would like to thank the caring staff at University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center, OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital Rehab and OhioHealth Compassus Hospice for their kindness and support during his final weeks.
A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at the farm on Sunday, June 29th, from 2–5 p.m. A time of remembrance will be held at 3 p.m. with Arden Fitch, Sr. and Chuck Fritz presiding. A meal and time of fellowship will be provided throughout the day. Jim was proud of his farm and the beef that was raised there, so be sure to stay and enjoy some with us!
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ashland County Fair or the Ashland Cattlemen’s Association, 2042 Claremont Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com