James M. Beard, age 83, a resident of Pasadena, passed away at his home on April 4, 2016 after a 10 year illness.

He was born on May 1, 1932, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to the late Clara Belle and Ras Beard. After high school, he enlisted in the US Navy as a carpenter's apprentice, serving from 1950 to 1954, then transferred into the US Air Force, serving as a Tech Sergeant performing aerospace ground support from 1954 until 1968.  He was awarded numerous medals including the Good Conduct Medal and the Longevity Service Award. After the service he was employed as a civilian heavy equipment operator at Ft. Meade, MD. He enjoyed travelling, both while in the military and after.

Along with his parents, James is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years: Carol Ann Beard; and two brothers: Ras B. Beard, Jr., and Edwin Beard.

He is survived by his son Donald Beard, of Pikesville, and his daughter Rose Welaga; and five grandchildren.

The family invites friends to visit at the Gregory J. Gonce Funeral Home, PA, 169 Riviera Drive, Pasadena, on Saturday from 12 noon until 2 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10 AM in St. Jane Frances Church, with Monsignor Carl Cummings officiating. His burial will follow, with military honors, in Meadowridge Memorial Park. Feel free to express your condolences here as well.