James W. Beck Sr., 85, son of S. Philly

JAMES W. BECK Sr. might have moved to Broomall, but he still had his native South Philadelphia in his heart.

For many years, he returned on New Year's to act as a marshal for the Woodland String Band in the Mummers Parade. He loved South Philly and had many friends there, his family said.

Jim Beck, retired supervisor in the transportation department of Peco Energy, Navy veteran of World War II and long active in veterans' affairs, died Wednesday after a six-year battle with cancer. He was 85.

He was a co-founder of Broomall Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7390 and served for years as its commander.

Jim was born and raised in South Philadelphia and attended South Philadelphia High School.

Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he and two brothers enlisted in the Navy. He served as a gunners mate in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.

After the war, he joined other family members at what was then the Philadelphia Electric Co. He started in mail delivery, advanced to crane operator and then became a supervisor. He retired after 39 years of service.

While serving as an officer of the VFW post, Jim and other local veterans groups and Marple Township officials developed and dedicated the Veterans Memorial Park on Lawrence Road in Broomall.

He also helped in the formation of the Marple Newtown Combined Veterans Alliance, which established a joint veterans' honor guard.

Since its founding in 2000, the honor guard has officiated at more than 200 veterans' funerals, as well as other events.

Jim designed the patch worn by the members. He also was responsible for maintaining the ceremonial rifles used during the 21-gun salutes fired off by the honor guard.

He was a passionate golfer and enjoyed playing with friends and family at McCall's Golf and Country Club in Upper Darby.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, the former Julia Weisback; a daughter, Julia V. Beck; two sons, James W. Beck Jr. and William T. Beck; three grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Services: Funeral Mass 10 a.m. Monday at St. Pius X Church, 220 Lawrence Road, Broomall. Friends may call at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Robert L. D'Anjolell Memorial Home, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, and at 8:30 a.m. Monday. Burial will be in Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple.

Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1615 West Chester Pike, Suite 102, West Chester PA 19382. *