Becker, James Richard (1930-2014)

Date of Birth: 1930 July 2, Oklahoma
Date of Death: 2014 January 22, Oregon

Obituary from Find A Grave:

James Richard Becker 1930-2014

James "Jim" Becker was born at home on July 2, 1930 on the family farm near Arapaho, Clinton County, OK to Abraham Martin Becker and Elizabeth Ann Kliewer Becker. Jim was one of three sons (Roy, Jim, Bill). He died on January 22, 2014, at the age of 83, winning his battle with Alzheimer's and going to his heavenly home. Interestingly, he died in Dallas, OR returning to where his great grandfather Johann Becker and family settled for a time, as part of the Mennonite community who settled in the Dallas area in the late 1800's.

Jim attended grade school in a one room class near Ava, MO. He graduated from the then "School of the Ozarks High School" located in Pt. Lookout, MO in 1947. The family moved to Kansas City, MO where Jim attended Kansas City Junior College and also worked as an orderly at St. Luke's Hospital. It is there he met the love of his life, Nancy Hellman.

In 1951 Jim was drafted into the Marine Corp and worked as a Ground Control Approach Operator in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1953. He and Nancy married on September 4, 1954. He finished his college education in 1956 at the University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy in Rolla, MO with a BSME. Jim and Nancy then moved to Houston, TX where he was a Tool and Die Design Engineer for Cameron Iron Works. He also became a Professional Engineer. In 1966 he was the principle speaker at a Forging Conference in Harrogate, England. Jim wrote several papers and co-authored a book related to his field. His career path took the family to PA, OH, and back to TX.

Jim was a quiet man, with a beautiful smile, and a strong handshake. Most important to him was, family, church and his career. He enjoyed woodworking crafts and family genealogy. Jim and Nancy moved to Dallas, OR in October 2012. Both Jim and Nancy became involved in the Rickreall Christmas Pageant. Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy, and four children: Mary McCarron (Kevin), Rickreall, OR; Mark Becker, Johnston, RI; Cathy Hooks (Dale), San Ramon, CA; and Scott Becker, Houston, TX.; and four grandchildren: Austin Becker, VA; Jennifer Becker, CA; Daniel and Megan Hooks, CA. His brother, Bill Becker (Jeanne) lives in Belton, MO, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and brother, Roy.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held on 2:00pm Saturday, February 22, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Dallas, OR. Memorial Gifts may be given to: Alzheimer's Disease Fund, PO Box 96673, Washington, DC 20090-6673; Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7901 Westview, Houston, TX 77055; Trinity Lutheran Church, 320 SE Fir Villa Rd, Dallas, OR 97338; or Dallas Retirement Village, 377 NW Jasper Street, Dallas, OR 97338. The Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center is caring for the family.

From the website of: Bollman Funeral Home 694 Main Street Dallas, OR 97338 (503) 623-3286

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MLA Personal Photos Collection

Biographical note:
Ava, Missouri
Son of Abraham M. and Elizabeth (Kliewer) Becker
Nephew of Honora E. Becker
Married Nancy Hellman 1964 September 4
Engineer -- Texas, Pennsylvania,Ohio

Bethel alumni note:

Photo holdings:
With two brothers
Individual -- 2 copies
Individual (in military uniform)-- Kansas City, Missouri
With wife and 1 child
With wife and 2 children
See Abraham M. Becker for family photo

Sources:
Abraham G. Boese 1956 No. 13224
Grandma Online profile 1211656
Find A Grave 185472534