James Bean Sr.
James “Jim” Bean, Sr., 87, Warsaw, passed away at 12:50 a.m., Jan. 11, 2018, in Warsaw’s Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Bean was born on June 28, 1930, in Elkville, Ill. to Marion and Daisy Bean. He was raised in the family home alongside his siblings, two of whom survive: Pearl Mae Stokes, Plymouth and Bonnie Spiller, Royalton, Ill. He was preceded in passing by four brothers: Audie, Tom, “Buddy Boy,” and Gene as well as two sisters: Elsie and Ruby.
On June 16, 1951, Bean was married to Whelemina L. Jarvis. He is further survived by their seven children: James N. Bean, Jr. (Tina), Arlington, Texas; Mary A. Marsillett (James), Warsaw; Melody S. Shaffer (Mitch), Elkhart; Kenneth W. Bean, Warsaw; Lea Ann Richardson (Rick), Warsaw; Laura Kay Hale (Tom), Iowa Park, Texas; and Rose M. Cotton (Charlie), Claypool.
In addition to his children, Bean shared four step-children with former spouse, Merle Bean, Arkansas; Steve Halfacre, Florida; Tim Halfacre, Arkansas; Lori Halfacre, Georgia; and Lynn Breeden, Indiana – all of whom survive. He is also survived by 32 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by daughter, Terri Lynn; granddaughter, Brandy Bean; great granddaughter, Megan Scott; spouse, Whelemina L. Bean and spouse, Ora Mae Bean as well as two step-children, Terry and Cherita.
Bean joined the United States Army and served his country in the Korean War. During his service he was awarded the Korean Service medal, earning three bronze service stars and the United Nations Service medal. He was honorably discharged and went on to serve six years in the Army Reserve.
Music was always a big part of his life. Over the years, he played in several bands including the Mid-Western All Stars with whom he toured with Don and Herman Webb, brothers to country star, Loretta Lynn. Crystal Gayle, Loretta’s sister, would also play with them when her career first began. Jim also played with Troy and the Indiana 3, Mark IV, Cimeron, Clearwater, Bar Room Buddies and Saffire Band.
The family will receive friends for a time of visitation and of sharing memories at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 East Sheridan Street, Warsaw, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13. A funeral service will follow, beginning at 1 p.m., with Dr. Ronald E. Manahan officiating. Burial will be in Warsaw’s Oakwood Cemetery with military honors provided by the members of the American Legion and VFW.
Those wishing to express their sympathy are encouraged to do so by donating to Heart to Heart Hospice, 620 Edison Rd., Suite 122, Mishawaka, IN 46545.
The staff of Titus Funeral Home has trusted with the care of the James Bean, Sr. family.