Jim Beasley

James Riley (Jim) Beasley, 79, of Marietta, Georgia died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, June 5, 2026. A lifelong Marietta resident, Jim was born to parents William Lloyd Beasley and Sadie Lou Hall Beasley. He attended Allgood Grammar School, Keith Junior High and Marietta High School. He was a member of the Marietta First United Methodist Church.

Jim was married for 59 years to the love of his life, Beth Beasley. The couple first met at a James Brown concert in Athens, Georgia and their romance later bloomed on a serendipitous blind date set up by a friend. Traveling together was a lifelong passion for them.

Other survivors include: his children Katie Burgess (Wayne) and Jennifer Beasley; grandchildren Riley Burgess Clausen (Skyler), Zachary Burgess, Coleman Burgess, Ruby Jost and Edward Jost, and great-granddaughter Caroline Clausen.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother William Lloyd Beasley, Junior.

A 1964 graduate of Marietta High School, he went on to receive a degree in Journalism from Gainesville Junior College, a Juris Doctorate from Woodrow Wilson Law School, and graduated from the Institute for Court Management.

Jim taught mindful arts for over 30 years, and until April 2026, served as a volunteer instructor teaching adults yoga and mindfulness at the Switzer Branch of the Cobb County Public Library.

As his friends and family will attest, Jim’s storytelling, jokes and friendliness lit up a room. His empathy only deepened over the course of his brief illness, and in hospice, he asked each of the nurses and medical staff who came to care for him, “How’s your day going?”

Jim would have celebrated 37 years of sobriety on June 18, 2026. Jim said that he was proud of being of service to others. Before he died, he shared that he found great joy working with his sponsees and putting together workshops on the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book.

Jim also gave back to his community in so many other ways—volunteering at the Extension, the Cobb Winter Shelter, and the Cobb County Public Library. A second degree black belt in both Choi Kwan Do and Kyudo, and a Black Sash Sifu in Ting Sing Qi Gong, he shared his experience in martial arts with his pro bono teaching of Tai Chi and Qi Gong. He practiced Tai Chi for 30 years.

He spent his entire career working with people—from early jobs at Stephens Lumber Company and the Marietta Daily Journal to running a fundraising business that benefited many organizations, and becoming a land broker. He also served as the president of his condominium association for several years.

Of all these accomplishments, he was most proud of his children and grandchildren.

The family offers sincere thanks to Dr. Peter Trottier, Dr. Catherine Trippe, and everyone at Wellstar Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Atlanta Food Bank or the Salvation Army.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Jim on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Salvation Army located at 202 Waterman St. SE Marietta, Georgia 30060.

Time will be provided for people to share stories about Jim (if you are brave and willing to speak in front of everyone please do so, then the family can learn how Jim impacted your life).

Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.nationalcremation.com.