Jim Beam was born on July 20, 1937 in Shattuck, Oklahoma to Charlie and Fern Beam. He passed from this life on December 25, 2011. Jim was one of six children born to Charlie and Fern.

Jim attended Arnett Schools and later attended Barber school, as well as, Heating and Air Conditioning school in Orlando, Florida.

Jim worked in the oilfield, uranium mine, and shrimp boat industries. These occupations took him to Guymon, Oklahoma, Wichita, Kansas, Los Angeles, California, Honolulu, Hawaii, Des Moines, Iowa and Orlando, Florida before returning to his home in Arnett. Jim was baptized in the First Baptist Church in Arnett.

Jim had a love for rooster fighting and horse racing. However, boxing topped the list. Jim was a very talented boxer winning many bouts during his career. In 1958, Jim won the Kansas Golden Glove Championship in the Light Heavy Weight Division. Jim was also a member of the National Rifle Association.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Fern Beam, brothers Leroy Anding and Tillman Beam, and sister Theola Beam Rush. Jim is survived by his brother Bob Beam and wife Vivian of Edmond, Oklahoma, brother Ed Beam and wife Tracy of Crystal Lake, Illinois, brother Larry Beam and wife Beth of Bogue, Kansas, sister Oleta Beam Celin of Arnett, Oklahoma, and sister Linda Beam Parker of Lake Mary, Florida, sister-in-law Ruth Ann Anding of Arnett, Oklahoma, numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorials can be given in Jim's name to the Ellis County EMS.