James Herbert "Jim" Beckman

FITCHBURG - James H. “Jim” Beckman, age 89, passed away peacefully at home on December 21, 2024. Born on the Beckman family farm in Mazomanie, Wis., on March 3, 1935, Jim lived a life filled with family, faith, and a love of nature.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Milo Herbert Beckman and Grace (Salava) Beckman; his beloved wife of 59 years, Phyllis (O’Connor) Beckman; his daughter, Diane Lynn Onstad; his brother, Robert Beckman and his wife, Sandy; and his brother, Gerald Beckman.

Growing up, Jim’s early years were spent on the family farm before moving to McFarland and eventually settling on the west side of Madison. Jim always spoke fondly of his childhood. He graduated from Madison West High School in 1954 and soon after served in the Wisconsin National Guard until 1959. Over the years Jim also worked for the Coca-Cola Company, Varagraph Engraving, and Ray-O-Vac. He ultimately built a career with UW-Extension in Duplicating Services, where he worked for over 30 years before retiring in 1995.

Jim’s true passion, however, lay in the family business, The Beckman Net Company. Having joined the business early on, he worked alongside his father, Milo, and his brother, Bruce, to craft high-quality fishing nets. Post-retirement, Jim fully dedicated himself to this work, blending his love for craftsmanship with his passion for fishing.

On May 10, 1958, Jim married Phyllis Rose O’Connor, and together they raised two daughters, Diane and Linda. The couple lived on Madison’s west side for many years, first on Cameron Drive and later Adobe Way. Jim’s love for the outdoors extended to cherished times at the family cabin in Minnesota, where he created countless memories fishing, relaxing, and enjoying the beauty of the lakes. These moments became a cornerstone of family life, bringing everyone together in laughter and shared adventure.

Jim had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh, often using his quick wit and playful antics to bring joy to those around him. Family gatherings were filled with laughter, thanks to his fun-loving personality. One particularly memorable tradition was how he’d serve drinks to the family relaxing in his hot tub-only to sneak off and throw snowballs at them from the sidelines, sparking laughter and delight. Jim had the privilege of not only knowing all his grandchildren, but also forming cherished bonds with their families and his great-grandchildren, whose ages range from 6 to 23 years old. His life was a testament to the importance of family and the joy found in each generation.

Jim’s life was enriched by his love of nature. Whether he was fishing with his brother, Bruce, or feeding the backyard birds and squirrels, he found joy in the simple beauty of the world around him. His faith also brought him deep comfort; after being contacted by Jehovah’s Witnesses in the 1960s, Jim embraced the Bible’s message of hope and remained a dedicated member of the faith throughout his life.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Linda (Mark) Webster; five grandchildren: Shaun (Caitlin) Mulligan, Anthony Onstad, Nicole Onstad (Charles Dean), Joel (Michelle) Webster and Rachael (Jeremy) Favors; and nine great-grandchildren, Tavian Smith, Isaiah Dean, Roman Dean, Ellie Mulligan, Riley Mulligan, Kayleigh Mulligan, Isabel Webster, Chloe Webster and Cameren Favors. He is also survived by his brother, Bruce Beckman; his sister, Joann (Alan) Penn; his sister-in-law, Elaine Beckman; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 1 p.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. A private burial will take place at Sunset Memory Gardens.

Jim’s life was a testament to the importance of family, faith, and finding joy in everyday moments. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Agrace HospiceCare for their compassionate care and especially to his nurse, Amanda, whose kindness and support made a meaningful difference in Jim’s final days.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002