Aug. 16, 1942 – Jan. 8, 2025
Former Rochester resident, James E. “Jim” Bever, passed away at his home near Plymouth at 7:26 p.m. Jan. 8, 2025.
On Aug. 16, 1942, James Edward Bever was born in Beech Grove to Truman O. and Dorothy A Grady Bever. Growing up near Buchanan, Mich., he graduated from Buchanan High School with his class in 1962.
On July 27, 1966, Jim married the love of his life, Roberta J. Huntman. They shared over 58 years of life's adventures. From their union came two wonderful children, Amy and Jeffery. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two more generations.
A man of diverse interests, Jim was a third generation farmer who began his career with the Clark Equipment Corporation. After 21 years he moved to Honeywell Corp., where he finished his career in the test lab as an engineer.
The Bever family had owned several businesses over the years including a dog grooming business, a tack shop and a horse trailer repair business. They recently retired from their grain farming operation and the RV campground of 35 years.
Jim was a member of the South Bend American Legion, where he made many friends with fellow veterans. He was a private pilot and a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association. As an American outdoorsman, he embraced the adventure of camping and fishing. An avid animal lover, he enjoyed the companionship of his Doberman's Lady and Lucky and his horse "Foxy."
Left to cherish Jim's memory are a daughter, Amy Bever, of Akron; son, Jeffery Bever and wife Sherry, of Peru; four grandchildren, Cory Ruff, James Templin, Emily Templin, Sarah Hensley and husband Patrick; four great-grandchildren, Annalise Ruff, Lyndy Hensley, Lane Hensley, and Holland Templin; and a brother, Ken Bever, of Buchanan, Mich.
Preceding Jim in death are his parents, Truman and Dorothy Bever, and his beloved wife Roberta J. Bever on Sept. 28, 2024.
A celebration of the life of James Edward Bever is at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. His family will receive friends on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. and on Friday an hour prior to the life celebration. Ch. Teri White will officiate. Interment will be in the Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan, Mich., where graveside services are slated to be at 1 p.m.
Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to his family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.
