James Beck

James “Jim” Arthur Beck age 73 of Rogers City
passed away October 6, 2012 at Covenant Hospital in Saginaw

He was born December 22, 1938 in Sidnaw, Michigan
to Lloyd and Marguerite (Findley) Beck

Following his graduation from Ewen High School in 1956, Jim served in the
United States Coast Guard. He was stationed on the Icebreaker Mackinaw and
participated in the search for survivors following the sinking of the Carl D. Bradley
in 1958.

Jim attended Michigan Technological University, Northern Michigan University and
Washtenaw Community College. He ran the family business in Sidnaw, worked in
quality control at Celotex Corporation in L’ Anse, and began his love of land
surveying when employed by Chicago Aerial Industries in Illinois. Jim continued
his surveying career at Gould Engineering in Grand Blanc before becoming
licensed as a Professional Land Surveyor. He passed the notoriously difficult
Michigan land surveyor licensing exam the first time he took it and was asked
to assist with grading future applicants. Jim then started his own business,
Beck Surveying, and he never stopped working. His peers referred to him as
the “most professional, ethical surveyor” they knew.

Mr. Beck was a private pilot, served in the Civil Air Patrol and loved to give any
and all a ride in his plane. He was a sponsor of the 2012 Nautical City Festival
air show and enjoyed all the photographs he saw of that remarkable performance.

He was a long time member of the Lions Club and a life member of the
Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors,

Jim is survived by his daughter, Monica Beck of Brooklyn, New York.

He was preceded in death by:
his parents, Lloyd and Marguerite; and
his brother, William

Friends may gather at the Beck Funeral Home on Sunday, October 21st from
1:00 p.m. through time of memorial service at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Jerome Green
officiating. A time of sharing memories and fellowship will follow at Jim’s home.

Memorials may be made to the Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors’
Scholarship Fund. Checks can be mailed to:
MSPS, 220 South Museum Drive, Lansing, MI 48933-1905