James Stephen Beatty Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

James was born twenty minutes before his twin brother William on January 29, 1941 in Long Beach, California, to Paul and Eileen (Booth) Beatty. He passed away at home in Napa on May 31, 2021, Memorial Day, at the age of eighty. In Orange County, Jim and Bill grew up spending time at their Grandpa Beatty's orange grove, riding his tractor, helping feed the chickens, growing their own gardens, and helping their father with his beehives. This fostered, early on, an interest in "everything agricultural," so much so that in high school Jim built his own nursery, starting and nurturing hundreds of plant cuttings, which he sold, becoming an entrepreneur at a youthful age. These roots went deep, as James, after graduation, majored at Cal Poly, Pomona, in landscape architecture and urban studies, later starting his own landscape business in Napa and working in City Planning in Contra Costa and Napa Counties. Music came to play an enormous role in Jim's life as he began first on violin, then learning to play French horn, which he played, usually as "first chair" throughout his high school years, in bands and orchestras. At age 22, James took up the bagpipes, and after moving to northern California in 1970, he played for years in the Sonoma County Sheriff's Pipe Band. The pipes became Jim's signature instrument, even though his trained and beautiful baritone voice was really his favorite musical vehicle, especially for the last fifteen years of his life, performing with his music partner and soulmate Elisabeth. After serving with the U.S. Navy Seabees in Vietnam from 1966-1968, Jim was appointed to, and served as Band Director of the Atlantic Fleet COMCBLANT Band, receiving high commendations from his command officers. Even as a child, James found solace in writing, over time becoming a gifted poet and writer of prose, with regular requests for a Jim Beatty "custom" poem to commemorate family and community celebrations. James's expansive curiosity about all aspects of God's creation and about his fellow man; his brilliant and creative mind; and his love for people and their stories made him a wonderful conversationalist, story-teller, as well as his family's respected genealogist. An avid student of history and prolific reader, and a true "people person," Jim held a special place in his heart for the elderly and the handicapped. Jim's love of God and country guided him to give generously of his talents and time to the church and to the community, organizing parades, piping for patriotic and friends' celebrations and memorials, performing for countless fundraising events, and serving in the Native Sons of the Golden West, Parlor 62 (also as President); Kiwanis; the St. Andrew Society, as Chaplain and Vice President; and in the Redwood Empire Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), as its President for seven years. Despite serious health challenges in his later years, James remained a "trooper," thankful to the Lord for life and His grace, and passionate in his concern for the young to be taught the importance of history, of the arts, of respect for others-especially the elderly with their vast life experience-and to be, always, curious and thirsty for learning. James is survived by his twin brother William (Bill) Paul Beatty, (Beth), Oakland; his children Robin (Dave) Spinelli, Texas; Stuart (Beth) Beatty, Idaho; Matt (Morgan) Beatty, Napa; Lindsey (Jeff) Hansen, Napa; grandchildren Greg (Sarah), Troy, Rebecca, Abby, Olivia, James Stephen, Dylan, and Raelynn; one great grandchild, Caden Spinelli; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; many friends; and by Elisabeth. James will be interred with military honors at the Sacramento National Cemetery in Dixon, California. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.." 2 Timothy 4:7. Memories and notes of sympathy may be shared at ClaffeyAndRota.com.

James Stephen Beatty

January 29, 1941 - May 31, 2021

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James Stephen Beatty

January 29, 1941 - May 31, 2021

Obituary Notification

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