James (Jim) Barton Beckman; beloved father, son, brother, and uncle, passed away on August 6, 2022, at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer. A funeral service will be held at the Grinnell Christian Church on Wednesday, August 10th, 2022, at 11:00 am. A reception and lunch with the family will follow the service at the Elks Lodge in Grinnell. Interment will be held at Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry, Iowa at 4:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Jim Beckman Memorial and sent to Beckman Gallery. 912 Main Street. Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with his family on the Smith Funeral Home website at www.smithfh.com. Jim was born March 13, 1947, in Perry Iowa to Charles Dana and Viola Marie (Meier) Beckman. He grew up in Perry Iowa, graduating from Perry High School in 1965. He went to Boone Iowa Community College, graduating in 1967. He was voted "Mr. Boone Junior College" in 1966. Following college, he was a Vietnam era veteran. In 1971, he was united in marriage to Marcie Hagge. They had a son, Ryan James Beckman. They divorced, but together they were excellent parents to Ryan. After moving to Grinnell, Jim went to work at Stadiums Unlimited in the sales department until Stadiums closed its doors. In 1991 Jim opened Beckman Gallery in Newton, Iowa. He opened a second store in Grinnell, Iowa and continued with both stores for many years. He closed the Newton store but continued with the Grinnell store with the help of Cheryl Moredock, his longtime co-worker and friend and the business continues after 31 years. Jim will be remembered by so many people for his sense of humor, caring personality, loyalty, infectious laugh, and smile, and just being a wonderful gentleman and friend. He was a remarkable father always being supportive of Ryan. Losing his parents at an early age made his relationship with his brother very special. Jim's acreage was where he felt at home, rebuilding there after a fire destroyed his home in 2018. He loved working in his yard amongst his many turtle figurines which he had collected over the years. His neighbors were special to Jim, and he appreciated them in times of need and celebration. The town of Grinnell will miss Jim. He is referred to as a "Great guy, one of the best, sweet, gentle, kind, great friend," and many other positive sentiments the towns people have expressed. Jim is survived by his son Ryan, brother Arlen (Tonya), two nieces Katie (Jason) Thoren and Jessica (Tim) Cappiello and one nephew Adam (Clara) Beckman, numerous great nephews, and niece, one Aunt Lee Ann Peterson and numerous cousins that he loved and kept in touch with over the years. Family was especially important to Jim. He was preceded in death by his parents, one uncle and two aunts.