James R. Beilby

BEILBY, James R. Kalamazoo Died Monday, December 25, 2006 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, with family at his side. James was born on November 27, 1936 in Kalamazoo, a son of the late Theodore and Virginia B. Rousch Beilby. A longtime, 70-year resident of Comstock, he graduated from Comstock High School in 1955. James had a 40-year career as an over-the-road truck driver, in which his grandson, Nathan, accompanied him on many trips. For the majority of those years, he drove for Bernea Foods. James was a member of the Local # 7 Teamsters. Among his many interests, James enjoyed listening to classical music. He also loved the outdoors as he enjoyed gardening, growing rose bushes and watching and feeding the birds outside his home. As a true lover of horses, he was proud that his daughter, Pam, showed his same passion for horses and enjoyed teaching her all that he knew about them. He was always proud to consider Nathan as a son rather than grandson because he helped raise him from the very early years, on. Younger grandson, Bodhi loved the fact that wherever Grandpa was, jellybeans had to be close by. He will be remembered for his unique sense of humor as well as for his incredible words of wisdom. He is survived by his daughter; Pamela Mark Beilby-Miller of Vicksburg; grandsons, Nathan Beilby and Bodhi Miller; brothers, Thomas Sandy Beilby, Richard Linda Beilby, Ralph Beilby and Larry Beilby; step-son, Doug Elliot and his former spouse, Jeanne Elaine Butcher. A memorial service will take place, Tuesday, 1:00pm, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Comstock Chapel, 6121 King Highway, Kalamazoo. No visitation is scheduled. Interment of cremated remains will be at a later date. Memorial contributions may be sent in James? name, to the American Cancer Society, 5110 Sprinkle Rd.S., Portage, MI. 49002