Has a death occurred?
(503) 990-6936
24/7
Jim was born in Wallace, Idaho, to James and Lela Bean. Jim passed away at home on June 3, after struggling with Lewy Body Dementia for the past several years. He was 73.
James “Jimmy” Bean grew up in the Silver Mining region of Northern Idaho. He graduated from Wallace High School where he participated in track and cross-country. During this time he was introduced to racewalking which became his lifelong passion. He was a devoted racewalk athlete, coach and official. Jim has been recognized for his athleticism, service and support of Racewalking with many titles, awards and honors. He was the Racewalk Chair for the Oregon Track Association for 44 years. Retiring in 2019.
In 1972 he moved to Oregon and went to OCE (Western Oregon University) where he received his teaching and Master’s degrees while continuing to racewalk. He worked as a special education teacher for more than 30 years,
most recently at North Marion and North Salem High Schools where he also coached.
Nothing gave Jim more pleasure than his family, especially his grandchildren. His specialty was baby rocking. His hobbies and obsessions included sports photography, baseball cards, coin collecting, black licorice, blueberry picking, huckleberries, puzzles, Clint Eastwood movies, Johnny Cash, and watching sports of all kinds.
Jim was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. He is survived by his wife, Wendy, his daughters Emily and Stephanie, son Benjamin, son-inlaws Nick and Patrick, sisters Linda and Roxanne, and grandchildren Pierce, Annalie, Jackson, Genevieve, and Mirabelle. Jim, aka Pop-Pop, will be dearly missed by all.
As an avid racewalker and official I knew Jim and his great contributions. He will be missed.
I am touched because we are one month apart born. Touched by the photo as a young man . A wise teacher one day said : ' when you meet an older person " a senior.(.ah ha..).do see in them their younger part of life too..."
He was vibrant. Being a race walker myself , wishing that I had met him...
Barb and I had a wonderful time catching up with Cousin Jim in Orlando a couple of years ago. Visiting Idaho when we were all kids was a special time. It was always fun hanging out with Jimmy, Tommy and the girls. Rest In Peace my friend.
Grandma Bean proudly displayed all your race walking trophies and I always looked at them when we visited. I have many warm memories of our visits in Idaho, Oregon and Ohio. You will be missed, cousin.
So sorry to hear about Jim. He was always kinda quiet but a good classmate.
Remember Jim from school. Always kinda quiet around me. But always as nice as could be
I remember seeing practicing race walking when I was in high school. I think it’s great that he maintained his interest and devotion to the sport. Proof of his ability to commit. RIP Jim
A great man who improved the lives of many by caring.
I’m going to miss you and our many chats about our various adventures in the world of track and field in this country and England
Thank you for trusting Johnson Funeral Home with his arrangements.