James D. Beck,74, of Columbia City, died at 7:07 p.m. Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne where he had been a patient for the past week.

Born on February 10, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York, he was a son of the late Eugene and Elizabeth (Budnik) Beck.  The family eventually moved to Fort Wayne where James graduated from North Side High School in 1966.

He entered the U.S. Navy.  After his honorable discharge, he returned to the Fort Wayne area.

A professional truck driver, he had over 30 years of service with Celadon Transportation in Indianapolis.

For more than 15 years, he has been a resident of Columbia City until his health condition led him to Byron Health Center, Fort Wayne.

Throughout his adult life he enjoyed fishing the area lakes.  Riding his Harley-Davidson was always a favorite activity.  When the grandchildren arrived, they became his focus and joy.  Interested in native American history, he collected Indian artifacts.  He spent his alone time listening to music of all types.

Surviving are his three daughters, Dawn R. (Chad) Christman of New Haven, Shannon (Matt) Hanes, and Rachael E. Beck, both of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Justin and Kendra Slone, Sarah, Ashton and McKenna Goble, Brianne & Chasin Christman, RaMya and Preston Beck.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by two sons, James and Jacob Beck, and a sister, Barbara Campbell.

Keeping with James' wishes, there will be no service.  Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Preferred memorials in Jim's honor are to the Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.