Obituary of James F. Beckerman

James Frederick Beckerman went to be with the Lord on September 16, 2023, at his home with his family by his side. James was born in Wayland, NY with his twin sister Joan on April 21, 1935. The son of Alice(Wittig) and Louis M. Beckerman. Jim grew up in Wayland and graduated from St. Joseph’s School, and Wayland Central School the class of 1953. After graduation Jim worked several jobs, but also played in two drum corps. In 1956 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After training, he was deployed to Hawaii. While Jim was in Hawaii he auditioned for the drum line and became a proud member of the United States Marine drum and bugle corps. Jim traveled to several places while in the corps including Japan, but finished his deployment and active duty in Hawaii, with the rank of CPL. In 1959, Jim met his future wife Jean Zeh, and on June 25, 1960, they were married in St. Joseph’s Church in Wayland. They had 63 wonderful years of marriage. Jim had 45 successful years at Suburban propane, achieving accolades such as Presidents club. In 2006 Jim retired. Jim was proud to have served as a Wayland trustee for 12 years, and Mayor of Wayland for 8. Jim could often be found enjoying big bands and swing music. He loved it so much that he played in several different bands. He never gave up his love for swing music and his drums. Jim and Jean were fortunate to have traveled many years together to many amazing places, most notably Florida. If you couldn’t find them in Wayland, then you could almost always find them at Sun valley campground where they held a permanent site. They loved everything about camping. Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years Jean Beckerman, his 3 beautiful daughters, Jackie (Rick) Millard, Kathy (Tom) Costello, and Julie (Terry) Fairbrother. His grandchildren Jessica (Ryan) Parker, Richie (Elyssa) Millard, Drew Fairbrother, Meaghan Costello, Dana (Matt) Ryan, and Chelsea (John) Dagon. He also had 6 beautiful great grandchildren, Nehemiah, Haven and Elijah Parker, Eliana Millard, and Lucas and Hailey Ryan. Jim was predeceased by his parents Alice and Louis, his twin sister Joan and his brother-in-law Gary Shetler. His in laws, Bertha and Art Zeh, his sister and brother-in-law Grattan and Joan Wallace, and Fran Zeh, and his niece Sally Stone. There are no words to adequately describe the how deeply Jim will be missed by his family, and all those that love him. Jim's family and friends may call Wednesday September 20, 2023 from 4-7pm at St. George-Forsythe Funeral Home, 109 West Naples St., Wayland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Jim on Thursday September 21, 2023 at 11am at St. Joseph's Church, 206 Fremont St., Wayland. Contributions in memory of James F. Beckerman may be made to the Vincent House, 310 Second Ave., Wayland, NY 14572 or to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd., Hornell, NY 14843.