James E. Becks

Wetmore

 James “Jim” Edward Becks, age 86, of Wetmore, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at UP Health Systems Marquette. He was born in Hermansville, MI on September 17, 1938 to the late William and Lillian (Brunelle) Becks. Jim’s family moved to Manistique where he grew up until he was a teen and then they moved to Munising where Jim graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School in 1956. Jim entered into the United States Coast Guard in September of 1956. He was a buoy tender and was honorably discharged in September of 1960. Jim married Judith Ann Straffon on September 17, 1960 and together they raised their four children. Jim worked in road construction for a short time and with the United States Postal Service for a few years before getting in at the paper mill. He worked for many years for Kimberly Clark as a winder tender in the specialties department and he was known to his co-workers as “Juicer”. Jim loved the outdoors, deer hunting, and fishing in his rowboat named “Titanic”. Enjoyed fishing with his dear friends Skeeter Lindeblad, Pastor John Arbogast, Pastor David Lindeblad, and he cherished his time hunting and fishing with his sons. One of Jim’s favorite adventures was when Jimmy was his escort to Washington D.C. for the UP Honor Flight. The greatest gift Jim ever received was when he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior into his life. He was a faithful and active member of the Faith Baptist Church in Munising where he was a deacon, trustee, and maintenance man. Jim loved to talk to anyone in town and would share great stories of his past and the history of Munising. 

 Jim is survived by his wife of sixty-four years – Judy Becks of Wetmore; children – Kathy (Wade) Mallard of Munising, Patty (Steve) Mather of Bellville, IL, James (Jodie) Becks of Grand Forks, ND, and Ed Becks of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren – Michaela Mallard-Miller, Caleb Mallard, Megan (Clifford) Sturgeon, Craig (Danielle) Mather, Michael Mather, Matthew (Caitlin) Becks, Brianna (Zach) Becks, and Noah Becks; great-grandchildren – Avery, Emma, Isabelle, Caroline, Elijah, and one more on the way; sister - Sandra (“Geno”) Wachter; sister-in-law – Arlene Becks; brother-in-law – Raymond (Sally) Straffon, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Lew Becks.

 Graveside services will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in the Spring where committal prayers and military honors will be rendered.