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James “Jim” Beestman 02/01/2023

James “Jim” Dana Beestman, age 65, of Baldwin, Wisconsin, passed away February 1, 2023, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Jim was born the youngest child of William and Grace Beestman on May 24, 1957.  He grew up in the New Richmond area and graduated in 1975 from St. Croix Central High School.

After graduation, Jim held a few various manufacturing jobs before settling into a 25-year career at Andersen Windows, where he eventually retired from.  Jim was a gentle man who thoroughly enjoyed the company of others.  He could be found making his rounds in town chatting with just about anyone.  Jim adored people and truly had a gift to gab, making new friends everywhere he went.

Jim was an avid Elvis fan, collected model cars, and loved anything with wheels.  He was known well at a local auction house where he bought & sold many different treasures.  Jim will be remembered for his strong faith in the Lord and his soft-spoken demeanor.

Preceded in death by his parents William and Grace; and niece Jaime Rudesill.

Survived by siblings, Roger (Dianne) Beestman, Kathy Beestman, Deb (Tim) Metzger; nieces and nephew Shannon (Kurtis) Bierbrauer and Jennifer Halverson; great niece and nephews, Rylie, Logan and Colin; and Goddaughter, Danielle Nygaard Logas.   A visitation for Jim will held on Monday, February 6th, 2023,  at 4pm followed by a memorial service at 7pm at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (728 S Knowles Ave) New Richmond, Wisconsin.   In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch the recording of Jim’s service

30 Comments

  • Rita Johnson Posted February 2, 2023 2:01 pm

    Great guy! Jim always had a smile when he came for a visit—and you always had one when he left. He would have given the shirt off his back to anyone if they needed it—Rest In Peace Jim!

  • Lu Friday Posted February 2, 2023 2:26 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear about Beestie. I’ve known him since the early 90’s. He was a great friend. I’ll miss his daily messages. He had the best laugh and smile. RIP Jim.
    Keeping you always in my heart and thoughts ♥️

    • Dany Swain Roberson Posted February 2, 2023 3:54 pm

      Jim was one of the most giving individuals I have ever known. Always was online every morning to make sure he said good morning and then goodnight before bedtime. He would always ask me to pray for him when he was going through health issues and procedures. He had a sweet giving spirit and loved his friends. He will be missed. I know I will see you again and am glad you are now perfect and doing what you do best….loving on everyone you know!

  • Faye Kirschbaum Posted February 2, 2023 4:36 pm

    Pool parties, many road trips, cook outs. Too many memories to mention but all have laughter involved. Lots of great times with Jim. A good friend for sure.

  • Cynthia Reberk Posted February 2, 2023 4:53 pm

    You were a one of a kind guy. Always smiling, pleasant, and just fun to work with. I will miss all the evening and morning wishes you sent. I knew you had health issues and I’m glad your suffering is over. RIP Beastie, I will miss you.😢

  • Dawn Goossens Posted February 2, 2023 5:55 pm

    Jimmy was a kind soul and loved people. He will be missed dearly.

  • Cindy Kerstetter Posted February 2, 2023 6:26 pm

    My sweet kind friend with his daily morning & evening messages… he will be missed so much, by so many wonderful friends of his! I love Jim from your friend in Virginia ❤️

  • James Olson Posted February 2, 2023 6:41 pm

    RIP Beestie. We had many a good nights having drinks and socializing at the bars. I’ll fondly remember when Dad and I first took Jim snowmobiling up north around Ashland, some of the funniest moments of my life.

  • Jodie Belisle Posted February 2, 2023 6:52 pm

    Hey Beesty what the heck!! We were good friends and we would bet a lunch on Viking and Packer games. I think I am one up on him. haha!! May you rest in peace Beesty!!

    • Barbara holtmann Posted March 9, 2024 8:03 am

      Jim and I lost contact unfortunately a while ago, and I just found out about his passing. I have been trying to find him for a while because I missed his laugh and his smile and his nightly conversations. He was a very sweet man with a good heart.

  • Gail Howie Posted February 2, 2023 7:40 pm

    I will miss Jim’daily good mornings and good night messages and our talks we had. I have known him since the 90’s. He was a wonderful buddy and a great friend .my condolences to his family and his friends . Rest in Peace dear Friend. Gone but you will never be forgotten.

  • Kathy Reed Posted February 2, 2023 9:46 pm

    Been friends for 30+ years. I’ll miss your good morning & good night quotes… So many memories! Until we meet again Jim, R.I.P…. Love ya!

  • Brian Peper Posted February 2, 2023 9:59 pm

    Remember him at andersen windows very nice man em very thoughtful to know him rest in peace my friend

  • CHUCK KOLLER Posted February 3, 2023 7:54 am

    Beesty, I knew you were a very friendly guy seeing you at work almost daily. Then the night of that tragic collision I helped you in Somerset I found out what a great faithful servant you were. I know you are in good hands now and pray for you family. God bless and rest in peace.

  • Mickey and Sharon Posted February 3, 2023 9:16 am

    We lost a really good friend. Will miss him. So thankful he trusted Jesus alone for his salvation. Gives us peace.

    • Barbara Posted March 9, 2024 8:06 am

      Mickey and Sharon, I was so sorry to see that Jim had gone. I have been trying to contact him for a long time and then also sorry that no one reached out to me to let me know this is happened I cared for Jim, he was a good man and a good friend.

    • Barbara Holtmann Posted March 30, 2024 3:48 am

      Micjey and Sharon. I was saddened to hear of Jims passing. My thoughts go iut to you. He spoke if you often and loved you both. i know he will be missed. He was a very gentle person who cared about everyone and through all the years we knew each other and never stop making me laugh with his witty humor. I also miss him.

  • Lyle Carlson Posted February 3, 2023 12:09 pm

    Great guy sorry for your loss

  • Jarod Prinsen Posted February 3, 2023 1:59 pm

    The kids and I will miss you buddy, you were always a good inspiration and a good friend. Someday we will meet again love you Jimmy..

  • Gail Leslie Posted February 3, 2023 4:15 pm

    I’ve known Beastie for many years. Oh the story’s and memories with him. Going bar hopping in his yellow hurst. the looks we’ed get when a bunch of people would pile out of it. I worked with Beastie at Andersen’s, and that’s where I found how much he loved the lord. He had a heart of gold and soul who ever needed help he was the first to jump in. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. Rest in Peace my friend.

  • Dennis & Nancy Schaeppi Posted February 3, 2023 6:03 pm

    We were friends with Jim for over 40 years. He was the most colorful, unique and kind person we knew. Your smile and laugh will be missed but God decided it was time for you to come home. Rest in peace our friend.
    Dennis & Nancy Schaeppi

  • DWIGHT E WOLTER Posted February 3, 2023 7:42 pm

    so sorry to hear this. he was always a fun conversation and would listen to my friend Denny and I sing at Bobcats …. will be missed ….

  • Robin Lindus Posted February 3, 2023 8:33 pm

    RIP my friend ❤️

  • Zane Bollom Posted February 4, 2023 8:17 am

    Deepest condolences to the family and his many friends. He was a good person and fun to work with.

  • Julie Langer Posted February 4, 2023 8:39 am

    Beastie was a kind soul. Thankful for the bright light he shared with many. Prayers for comfort and peace to all family and friends. We can rejoice now that Beastie is in the arms of Jesus.

  • Dine Ulferts Bonte Posted February 5, 2023 12:24 pm

    My sincere condolences to the family! I was on the school bus with James. That is when I got to know him. He was always, sweet and kind! Through the years we stayed in touch and have an occasional Breakfast or Lunch together and catch up with our life stories. Now that I have moved away from the Hammond area to the southern Ozarks, we kept in touch through daily messaging! I will miss My Dear Sweet Friend! Rest In Peace and be with the Lord, my Noble Friend!

  • Kimberly j johnson Posted February 5, 2023 1:21 pm

    Jim was a great guy. I am so glad I got to take him in the semi with me. He wanted to go north with me as well. Unfortunately that day never came. I will miss this man as long as I live.

  • Lea Posted February 5, 2023 3:55 pm

    I didn’t know Jim personally, but we were on Facebook. His cousin Virginia and I work together. One time I asked him if he was going to this rally that was in Wisconsin where Mike Lindell was going to be. He said he wasn’t going. I told him I wish i had gone and that I wanted to get a t-shirt. He told me a friend of his was there and he got in touch with him. He had his friend get me a t-shirt. He got it to me by sending it with his cousin Virginia and she gave it to me at work. I wanted to pay him for it but he wouldn’t take any money. That was a really nice thing he did for me. He doesn’t even know me except through his cousin. Somehow, I feel like he really isn’t gone but is nearby somewhere. I know he loved the Lord so I know he is safe and sound. Glad you were my friend Jim.

  • Cindy Stigler Posted February 6, 2023 9:42 am

    I’ve been praying for Jim through his recent hospitalizations and thinking about him and realizing that most of the times I talked with him was when we both were at his mom’s home…that means he was visiting and helping his mom! He had a heart of gold and that’s what made him great, especially when his physical heart was weak! Jim, you will be missed…rest in the arms of the Lord…

  • Dine Ulferts Bonte Posted February 7, 2023 2:03 pm

    Thanks for casting the video online! I was able to view it at my home in the Ozarks, on my TV. It was beautifully done and I loved the music! I felt especially honored to be in a couple photos with James! He was a very special friend to me! I have ordered a thumb drive of the video, so I can treasure and view it. Thanks for the memories James!

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