James Brantley Beck, 73, of Rochester, Minnesota, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died Sunday, May 20, 2018, at Cottagewood Haven in Rochester.

He was born April 17, 1945, in Grand Island, Nebraska, the son of James Sr. and Ethel (Meyers) Beck. Jim graduated from Grand Island High School in 1963 and attended University of Nebraska. On Sept. 6, 1969, he married Nancy Kastens in Chappell, Nebraska. Jim worked 40 hours a week at a packinghouse while completing his bachelor’s degree in business, which he received in 1971. Upon his graduation, he began his 34-year career with Hormel as a foreman in Fremont, Nebraska. In 1974, he transferred to Fort Dodge, Iowa, then to Miami, Oklahoma, then Ottumwa, Iowa, where he enjoyed six wonderful years. In 1985, they moved one last time to Austin with Hormel, where the couple was able to reconnect with great friends who remain the Beck’s support system still today. In 2004, he retired from Hormel. He faced many challenges in the last several years of his life as he battled both Alzheimer’s dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Jim enjoyed hunting pheasants and taking trips up north to fish for walleye. He loved Nebraska sports, and he played on the University of Nebraska baseball team. Once his time on the field ended, he participated as a bleacher coach. He filled his free time sitting on the deck with Nancy and watching Turtle Creek flow by.  Jim enjoyed trips to the casino and attending concerts. He wasn’t one to say no to a good party, especially if it included a cold Bud Light. His favorite greeting was, “who called this meeting?” Jim will be remembered for his outgoing and fun-loving personality and will be missed dearly by his friends and family.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Nancy Beck of Austin; son, Jay (Angela) Beck of Clarkston, Michigan; daughter, Jana (Sean) Henry of Farmington, Minnesota; five grandchildren, Jacob, Brady, Maddox, Isaac and Bennett; sisters, Ruby (Kenny) Charron of Central City, Nebraska, and Judy (Chuck) Mead of Wood River, Nebraska; older brother, Gary (Linda) Meyers of Grand Island; brother-in-law, John Books of Broken Bow, Nebraska; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Sr. and Ethel Beck; and his sister, Linda Books.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 25, 2018, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Austin with Father James Steffes officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 24, at Worlein Funeral Home and will continue for one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Interment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association, Austin Packers Quarterback Club or recipient of donor’s choice. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.