James ‘Jim’ Beeson of Boulder, Colorado, beloved father (dog and human) grandfather and friend, passed away on June 13, 2021 from lung cancer. He was 79. Jim was born on January 25, 1942 in Burlingame, California to Louise (Thompson) and Harold Beeson and grew up in Millbrae, California.
As a boy scout, Jim explored the California outdoors -Big Basin Redwoods State Park was a favorite spot-where he developed a lifetime love for camping, hiking and mountaineering. He attended the University of California at Santa Barbara for both undergraduate and graduate school. He received a BA in Zoology and Chemistry in 1963, and MA in Developmental Biology in 1966 and was the recipient of a National Science Foundation graduate student fellowship. While attending graduate school, Jim met Mary McFarland and they married in 1968. They moved to Boulder in 1969 due to a love for the mountains. Jim spent his entire career working in science research first as a research technician at CU and later as research technician and scientist at several biotechnology companies in Boulder. Jim loved his work and took great pride in working in new drug development. Jim and Mary had one daughter, Heather. Though Jim and Mary were no longer together, they remained close friends.
Jim served as a volunteer fireman in the Four Mile Fire District when he and Mary lived in the Fourmile/Wallstreet area. He was a ham radio operator for many years and enjoyed talking to other operators throughout the world. He had many outdoor adventures; in his younger years, he loved Colorado Mountain Club trips, backcountry skiing and backpacking in the Colorado high country. In his later years, he enjoyed daily hikes with his dog in the Boulder Open Space nearby his home. His love of travel brought him to numerous destinations; a favorite trip was to Ojochal, Costa Rica in 2018 with his family. Jim was a good friend; he quietly supported those in his inner circle through challenging times. His wit and dry sense of humor kept his family and friends laughing (and shaking their heads) until the end.
Jim is survived by his daughter Heather Beeson, son-in law, Michael Sweeting, grand children Liv Sweeting, Elliana Sweeting, and Noah Bridgewater, his beloved dog Cleo, and his friends, Alana Wynne, Mary Beeson and others. A private gathering to celebrate his life will be held. The family wishes to thank Denver Hospice and the Natural Funeral for their knowledgeable, compassionate care, and kindness.
We knew Jim for 60 years; he was always a very good friend, and one of the smartest people I have ever known. I have stood on the top of a Sierra peak with him, searched for him in the Sierra back country, skied cross-country with him in a blizzard in Rocky Mountain National Park, discussed matters scientific and philosophical with him during some very strange times. We were grad students together in the same lab, Elona worked under his direction in 1961/62 (before I met him), and he died on her 79th birthday. It was fine knowing him, being his friend for so long, and we will both miss the hell out of him. What a guy!