James Beall

BEALL, JAMES ROBERT, Lt Col, USAF(ret), (Jim), (Red), age 81, of Pelham, formerly of Bessemer, died on June 4, 2008 at his home. He was a member of Hunter Street Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for many years and where he expressed his love for the Lord and his wonderful church family. He graduated from Bessemer High School in 1947 and attended Alabama Poly Institute where he studied Forestry. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Alabama in Birmingham in 1978. His military career was his passion and encompassed much of his life. He served in the US Navy as a Sonarman Third Class. One of his greatest honors was when he won his wings from the USAF Cadet Training Program in 1950 and was one of three in his class of forty to receive a commission in the regular Air Force. He flew both jet fighters and transports to include the T-29, T-33, the fighter jet F-86, F-100, and his last assignment, the C-141. He served with numerous squadrons, his most memorable being the 22nd Fighter Squadron, (the Big 22), in Bitburg, Germany, an elite group which still has reunions on a regular basis. His officer evaluation reports often reflected his “dynamic and radiant personality, enthusiastic attitude”, and as one evaluator expressed, “He’s that ‘sparkplug’ type that stands out in any group; his high spirit and enthusiasm is infectious, and his sense of humor is stimulating.” His proficiency of flying was always Jim’s most coveted remark so he would appreciate most the statement that said it best, “He is a truly professional perfectionist in the air.” He was a member of the Order of Daedalians, an organization of commissioned military pilots, and the Military Officers’ Association of America, (MOAA). He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Chassie Beall and his sister, Helen Bearden. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Col. Carol Beall, with whom he served a tour of duty in Vietnam from 1966-1967; and his daughter, Dr. Jennifer Beall, Helena; two nieces, Jerri Page, Valley, AL and Joan Bearden, Alabaster; and a host of great nieces and nephews. A memorial service in celebration of his life is planned for Friday, June 20, 2008 at Hunter Street Baptist Church at 2:00 pm where the family will receive visitors from 1-2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Hunter Street Baptist Church or Aldridge Gardens, both in Hoover. The family and chuch will host a reception immediately following the memorial service.