Obituary: James Beggs, 62, of Hart.

November 22, 2021

Jim Beggs

Obituary: James Beggs, 62, of Hart.

James Lee Beggs, 62, of Hart, passed away on Saturday, November 20, 2021, in Grand Rapids, following a short illness. Jim was born on July 9, 1959, to the late Loren Beggs and Carol (Beggs) Ruster in Shelby. He was well-known, loved and respected by all. Jim graduated from Hart High School and also obtained extensive automotive and technology education. His career consisted of 38 years at Howmet (Alcoa/Arconic) in Whitehall, most recently in automation as the advanced manufacturing technology manager.

Jim married the love of his life and his best friend, Sonya Alvesteffer on August 14, 1982. They were married for 39 years. Together they cultivated a childhood for their two children filled with adventure and love; they were shining examples of a strong marriage, work ethic, kindness and faith.

Through the years, it had been said that Jim sure could “turn a wrench”. He could fix anything and often repaired things for others, regardless of his own to do list. He was known for leaving things better than he found them. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and farming with his tractors, equipment and cattle. He was genuine and kind to friends, strangers, pets and livestock. Above everything, he cherished time with his family. He always made sure they were safe and happy. He enjoyed road trips with Sonya, whether to Nashville to visit Brandon to work on his house or to the Rocky Mountains. He always preferred to drive as he insisted Sonya was the best co-pilot. He liked to “go for rides”, particularly after church on Sundays, or on the Ranger at the farm. He particularly enjoyed packing a cooler and taking a ride to the back of the farm with Sonya to “watch the corn grow”. He was the best Papa to his grandkids and appreciated the simple beauty of animals and nature with them, often texting a picture of a frog or the cattle. Jim was well regarded as an amazing teacher, his patience and passion shared with everyone he encountered.

Jim is survived by: his wife and best friend, Sonya Beggs of Hart; his mother, Carol (Beggs) Ruster; his daughter, Megan (Kyle) Mason of Traverse City; his son Brandon Beggs of Nashville, Tenn.; grandchildren, Ella Grace and Arlo James Mason of Traverse City; sister, Dianna (Wayne) Fuller; and his brother, Gary (Linda) Beggs.

Jim was preceded in death by: his father, Loren Beggs; and his parents-in-law, Robert and Valeria Alvesteffer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 27, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2380 West Jackson Road, Hart with Fr. Phillip Sliwinski presiding. Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m., Friday, November 26, 2021, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 North 72nd Avenue, Hart. It will be held outside under a tent with heaters, please dress warm and casual. Visitation will also be held Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church. The family would love for you to bring a note with memories of Jim to be assembled as a keepsake for his children and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Crystal Valley Care Fund or St. Joseph’s Catholic Church building maintenance fund. To carry on Jim’s legacy, please take advantage of simple ways to leave something or someone better than you found them.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.