James R. Beall

James R. Beall 92, longtime resident of Needham, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2023 at Shrewsbury Crossings in Shrewsbury.  

Jim`s childhood was spent in rural West Virginia, living with his grandparents, where he enjoyed running the hills and developed his love for the outdoors. He later moved to Massachusetts where he attended Medford High School and was a star athlete running the mile in track & field. In Massachusetts, he met and married the love of his life, Gloria Page, and they shared an inspirational 69 years of marriage. Jim enlisted in the Navy at age 18 and was very proud of his shipboard Naval service of 4 years in the Western Pacific and especially his two combat deployments to the coast of Korea during the Korean War, where he earned several awards including Navy and Marine Corp combat action medals and 6 battle stars. After the service, he worked for New England Telephone Co. for 37 years, until his retirement.  Jim was an amateur radio operator with the call letters, W1HPK, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching his children and grandchildren in various sporting events, making beer, playing the banjo, mandolin & harmonica and was especially known for telling good stories...which were mostly true, we think!

Jim is survived by his wife Gloria, his children Sandra (Bob) of Marlboro, MA, Don (Joan) of Shrewsbury, MA & Meredith, NH, Linda (Meg) of Eastham, MA, grandchildren Tim (Morgan), Kathryn (Greg) & Meghan, great grandchildren Mattie-James, Shay & Sienna. We'd like to acknowledge all of the good friends Jim made during his time living at Shrewsbury Crossings and the staff who meant so much to him. A special thanks to all the great people from Beacon Hospice and Worcester Home Care for their kindness, support and end-of-life care. Funeral arrangements will be private with burial at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon, MA. Donations in Jim's name may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org). 

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