James S. Beard

OTTAWA - James S. "Jim" Beard, 65, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, February 20, 2009 at his residence. Funeral services honoring his life will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church with Rev. Nathan Kramer officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Gladfelter Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church. Jim was born February 28, 1943 in Ottawa, Illinois, a son of John and Theresa (Morello) Beard. He married Gloria Stohr January 19, 1963 at Zion Lutheran Church in Ottawa. Jim is survived by his wife, Gloria of Ottawa; four daughters, Kathy O'Shea and Barb Waddell of Ottawa, Sandy Syverson of Tonica and Gloria "Gigi" (Amir) Elmallakh of Frisco, Texas; a brother, Edward "Mel" (Rose Marie) Beard of Ottawa; and two sisters, Sally (Bob) Hamill of Marseilles and Dorothy Rich of Zephyrhills, Florida. He also leaves his grandchildren, Jeremy and Joey Brewer, Kelly and Kylie O'Shea, Aly, Teresa and Melanie Ellzey, Zachary and Shelby Stevens, Landin Waddell and Julia and Michael Elmallakh; and seven great-grandchildren. Jim's parents and a sister, Joan Anderson preceded him in death. Jim was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School. He was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church where he served as an Elder for many years. He was a retired employee of Caterpillar in Joliet. Jim was a perfectionist as was evidenced in the quality of his woodworking and craftsmanship and working around the house. He dearly loved his family and spending quality time taking his grandchildren camping and fishing. Pallbearers will be Jeremy and Joey Brewer, Zack Stevens, Amir Elmallakh, Jimmy Nanouski and Don Link. Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Elmallakh and Landin Waddell. Memorial contributions may be directed to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church or donor's choice.