James Beck's passing

[Tim Weber]

I just found out today that James Beck died late last week of a massive heart attack.

For those who didn't know him, he was involved in antique racing for many years. He was a loveable guy and a real personality.

I don't have any more details. If I hear more, I'll foward the info on.

Tim

[David Weaver]

Mr. Beck

James was an outstanding individual who just loved boat racing and people around the sport. I will miss seeing James at the PRO Nationals every year. Just a great person has left us once again.

[Ralph Donald]

James Beck

I knew James going back into the early sixties. Most of the local boat racers at that time were hanging out at the Mercury dealership of Joe Poole and James was one of them. He gave up racing for a long time, I guess trying to get his own dealership going, but he came back in the late eighties, buying any kind of old boat racing equipment , especially the old Johnson & Evinrudes. Steve Litzell taged him with the nickname of Fred, from the sitcom Sanford & Son. He teamed up with Ralph DeSilva for awhile going to antique races. I missed him at Depue the last few years, but I knew he had some health problems. I will always have fond memories of him, a really nice man.

[Rex Hall]

James Beck

James Beck was a true southern gentleman, he was always polite and a very good freind. He will surely be missed by all of us who knew him.

Rex Hall and family

[Steve77t]

I was saddened hearing of James ( Fred) passing. Several years ago, James came to me and Ralph and asked if we could take a motor back to Atlanta from DePue. I said ok and he brought over one of his antiques for us to bring back. Before the weekend was through James bought a ton of other stuff like a 20H and other parts. Soon our trailer had more antique iron in it than real race stuff. My coment to James was that he made our trailer look like Sanford & Sons Junk hauler. I refered to James from that day on as Fred. He then stared calling me Lamont. Any time he called he asked for Lamont, and I new it was Fred ( James). I will miss his calls and pickeled peppers he always brought by. Steve

[dlmurray]

It was a shame to hear that another racing enthusiast has passed on. He was a nice man that always provided us "Yankees" with those great Georgia peaches, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables. He was always a pleasant man with a great big smile for everyone!

I am sorry to hear that he has passed.

[deverhart1]

James Beck Passing

I always considered James a friend. I surely enjoyed talking to him on phone. His generosity was huge and I will surely miss him.
David Everhart S52