James Wallace Beery, 81

June 4, 1932 - Aug. 21, 2013

There once was a neat man named Jim.

We’d like to tell you about him!

Limericks were his thing,

Laughter they’d bring,

So we’re doing this in memory of him!

Elmer City, where he grew as a boy,

Farming the crops, peaches and soy.

To the Navy as a mate,

Then to Washington State,

Where he met Jackie, his wife and his joy.

Then to Yakima with his lovely gal,

Bought a house in a nice locale.

They had Mike, followed by Ann,

They were a tight little clan.

Their love you couldn’t corral!

They moved to the city by the lake.

Church and community, they made their stake.

Then along came Joe,

A lively guy, don’t you know.

A family of five did they make!

Many hobbies were enjoyed by Jim.

Fishing and good food made by him.

Woodcrafts made in his shop,

On the dance floor he was tops.

His love for his family never dim.

Over the last years his health declined.

His body failed, not his mind.

But he kept on trying,

And now we are crying.

The Lord to us has been kind.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jackie; his children, Mike (Debi), Ann Dreyer (John), and Joe (Jennifer); his sisters, Marilyn Thompson and Alli Hansen; his eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; his nieces and nephews; and many great friends, who supported him and Jackie.

Private services have been held. Jim was a great supporter of the Union Gospel Mission. If desired, contributions can be made towww.ugmspokane.org/donate.

Please visit Jim’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.