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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.
Rest In Peace Jim. You were a true friend, and one to admire for your devotion to family, your sport, your teaching and coaching and your friends. Quiet, thoughtful and a good listener. We’ll all miss you.
Jim introduced me to racewalking in 1981 when I was 10 years old. He made the event fun and exciting and taught me so much as I got started in the sport. And for years after he was always supportive and encouraging. Three U.S. Olympic teams later, and I have Jim Bean to thank for all of them. Thank you, Jim, and hugs to his family.