Stracey "Jim" James Beals Sr.'s Obituary
Petty Officer First Class Stracey “Jim” Beals was born on 13 November 1934 in Tacoma, Washington, to Russ and Patricia Beals. He entered the United States Navy on 8 December 1952. He was assigned the military occupational specialty of Aircraft Mechanic.
Petty Officer First Class Beals served in various billets at various locations throughout his Navy career.
His final station was at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (the Graveyard), where he assisted in either retiring or renovating aircraft for service, shuttling these aircraft to and from his home station and North Island Naval Air Station, San Diego. He retired on 02 July 1973 and was placed on Navy Reserve status.
The schools he attended were the CH-46 Familiarization Course, Rotors and Related Systems Course, Power Plants and Related Systems Course, CH-53 Preservation Run-Up Course, Jet Engine (J-79) Technician Course, and SH-3A Systems Familiarization Course.
Petty Officer First Class Beals’ personal decorations, awards, and campaign medals include (3) Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal (2 bronze stars), Vietnam Service Medal (4 bronze stars), Vietnam Campaign Medal (with device), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (1960), (2) Meritorious Unit Commendations.
After retiring from the Navy, Jim continued his service to others by becoming a police officer for the city of Roy, Washington. Through continued hard work and dedication, he eventually was appointed the Chief of Police for Roy, where he ultimately retired in 1978.
Throughout his life, Jim had a love of flying and aircraft. His favorite airplane was a Piper Cub. Visit his garage, and you will understand once you see all the models. Jim’s dream to become a pilot was interrupted by his health. He made his last flight in a Cessna 172 in July 2017, flying round-trip from Olympia to Long Beach, WA.
He was married to the former Jackie Batte (deceased 2013), and they had five children: Jim Jr. (deceased 2013), Rae Marie, Don, and Rich.
He is survived by his sister, Patricia Scheidler; two brothers, Russ Beals and Thomas Beals; daughter, Rae Marie Ezzell; and sons, Robert, Donald, and Richard; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
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