James Beard

James "Jim" Beard, 54, of Navasota, peacefully passed away Thursday, May 13, 2010 at his home in Navasota. Visitation will be held Friday, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 6:00 p.m. at Nobles Funeral Chapel. Funeral services are set for Saturday, 4:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church of Navasota, with Pastor Donald Kasper officiating. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Anderson.
Jim was born November 6, 1955 in Bryan, to Dr. Bryan and Genevieve Beard. Jim was baptized July 8, 1956 and confirmed April 11, 1965, at First United Methodist Church in Navasota, and graduated from Navasota High School in 1974. Following in his dad's footsteps, he attended and graduated from Texas A & M in 1978 with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. He tried several occupations, some in Louisiana, but decided to start a business in his hometown with State Farm Insurance. He was appointed as an agent with State Farm Insurance on February 1, 1982. He received several accomplishments during his State Farm career including Legion of Honor and Ambassador for Life awards. He made many friends through State Farm.
On October 23, 1982, Jim married Pamela Leiber at Zion Lutheran Church in Anderson, and became a devoted husband and father. Jim enjoyed many pleasures in life such as sharing his love of horses with his son, Bryan. Jim's joy was taking Bryan to horse trainings, attending many horse shows and hauling Bryan to his many national accomplishments in Horse Reining. Jim also enjoyed volunteering his time to helping others in our community. He was President and Director of the Navasota/Grimes County Chamber of Commerce in 1986 and was currently serving in that capacity in 2010. He was also a Director of the Economic Development Committee, President in 2008 and Current Director of the Navasota Education Foundation, Director of the Friends of Grimes County (Bubba Can Cook), Habitat for Humanity and his most endearing committee, Chairman and Committeeman of the Grimes County Fair Association Horse Committee.
Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Beard; his parents, Dr. Bryan Beard and Genevieve Beard Scurlock; and an infant sister.
He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years Pamela Beard; son Burnett Bryan Beard of Navasota and girlfriend, Tamara Masucci; brother, Joel Beard and wife Cathy of Austin; sister, Sharon Miller and husband Don of Magnolia; aunt Pauline Friemel of Austin; Uncle Charles Belk and wife Pat of San Saba; sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws, Patricia Kopplin and husband Butch of Beeville; Becky Fowler and husband Brett of Navasota; Charlene Moriarty and husband Gary of Anderson; Burnett Leiber Jr. and wife Tonya of Bryan; and mother-in-law Evelyn Leiber Schulze of Bryan. He is also survived by a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Pallbearers include Burnett Leiber Jr. of Bryan, Robbie Rust of Spring, Gary Moriarty of Anderson, Thomas Moriarty of Anderson, Rod Keith of Bryan, Marshall Kincannon of Mansfield, Brett Fowler of Navasota, Anthony Pry of Honey Grove, and Mike Harris of Navasota.
Honorary Pallbearers include Dr. C.H. Prihoda of Navasota, Hershel Perry of Anderson, Jeff Andrick of College Station, Diana Barnes of Huntsville, Bruce Boyd of College Station, John Brieden of Brenham, Kevin Campbell of Bellville, Dean Doonan of Caldwell, Jimmie Fucik of LaGrange, Jeff Hamilton of College Station, Mark Hyatt of Brenham, Brenda Keith of Bryan, James McComb of Huntsville, Bob Medina of Hearne, Bob Poling of Bryan, Glen Reader of Huntsville, Jim Ross of Bryan, Jim Saumby of Huntsville, Randy Schulte of Columbus, Darrell Streater of Madisonville, Jim Stuckey of College Station, Julie Sturm of Bryan, Larry Wilkerson of College Station, Jana Carrington of College Station, Melissa Solis of College Station, and Kate Vogelsang of College Station.
For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Navasota.
The family invites you to leave fond memories and/or kind words at www.noblesfuneral.com .