W. James Beattie

Walter James "Jim" Beattie, Jr., 86, of Pleasant Hill, was born January 2, 1940, in Kingsville, the son of Walter James Sr. and Alice Gene (Hooton) Beattie. He departed this life Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at the Crown Care Center in Harrisonville.

Jim grew up in the Strasburg and Kingsville area where he attended high school. He later settled in Pleasant Hill.

On July 27, 1968, he was united in marriage to Joyce Marie Todd in Pleasant Hill bringing him an instant family with her two children, Brenda Jo and George Keith. Their family grew in 1969 with the birth of Dustin James and in 1972 Angela Faye was born realizing his dream of a first-born son and of having a baby girl.

Jim was first employed as a brick hauler. He later went to work for Alton Box Manufacturing, later International Paper, where he worked for over 40 years retiring in 2002. Shortly after Angie was born he purchased a farm from a close friend. It was affectionately known as Beattie's Poverty Corner and Exotic Animal Paradise, to all his family and friends. He farmed the whole time he was working. He never sat still nor veered away from hard work and also always had a side-hustle going. He made pallets, cut and hauled wood, worked cattle, and performed custom haying. Those who knew him knew he was never much for sitting around and worked from sun-up to sun-down.

Jim was devoted to his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed family vacations and camping at Pomme de Terre. He also enjoyed spending time with his brother-in-law and hunting buddy, H.A Todd, as well as his good friends Bill Norvell, Charley Walker and the late Billy Ellifrits. He could often be found at the local café chewing the fat with everyone. Children and young people have always been drawn to him.

Jim was one of a kind and will be missed by all who knew him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ronald L. Beattie.

He is survived by "His Lovely Bride" Joyce; four children, Brenda Williams of Pleasant Hill; Keith (and Shelly) Head of Weatherford, Oklahoma, Dusty (and Cherie) Beattie, and Angie (and Jason) Beattie-Woods, all of Pleasant Hill; seven grandchildren, Zach Williams, Blake Williams, Ryan Head, Kendra (and Daniel) Adams, Naomi (and Zack) Griggs, Kace Beattie, Dalton Woods, and Jordyan (and Trey) Raysik; brother-in-law, H.A. Todd of Pleasant Hill;16 great grandchildren; one cousin, Eva "Pee Wee" Pontalion of Independence; other relatives and friends.

Graveside funeral services were held Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in the Strasburg Cemetery. Pastor Chris Hooper officiated. Casket bearers were Kace Beattie, Zack Griggs, Trey Rasik, Mutt Schmoll, Chase Snyder, and Jason Woods. Honorary casket bearers were James Kincaid, Bill Norvell, Scott Stever, H.A. Todd, Charley Walker, and Rodney Wyatt.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Children's Mercy Hospital in honor of his great grandson Quinton. Contributions may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.StanleyEdenburn.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Edenburn Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550