James William (Jim Beck) Beckner, 66, died Tuesday night at his home on Moody Hollow Road, in the Claxton community. Mr. Beckner had been in declining health since December of 1992.

He was born in Knox County on March 30, 1927 to the late Garland John and Amanda Herron Beckner.

He was of the Baptist faith.

Jim Beckner and his father opened Beck’s Auto Parts in September 1949 on what is known as “Beck’s Curve” in the Claxton community. In an interview in June of 1992, he told a Courier-News reporter that it took elbow grease and long hours to make the business work. In 1985, he thought about retiring, but instead built the current building located at the intersection of Hwy 25W and Raccoon Valley Road in Claxton. He finally retired in 1988 and his eldest daughter, Sharon, and her husband, Ronald Todd are presently owners/operators of Beck’s Auto Parts. She grew up with the business. Mr. Beckner had called her his “tomboy”. The business is now computerized with electronic cataloging, pricing and inventory.

A veteran of World War II, Mr. Beckner served in the Army.
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His wife, Helen G. Beckner said that her husband had always farmed part time but when he retired he began raising cattle and hay. He also enjoyed fishing.

In addition to his wife and daughter and son-in-law, survivors also include daughters, Mary Beckner and her husband, Jeff Larsen; and Rose Adkins; and one grandson, James Adkins.

Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Phillip Murphy and the Rev. Royal Walton officiating. Burial was at Grandview Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.

Source:
Clinton Courier News
2/3 May 1993