James Beckett

(From Lawson's Funeral Homes)

James Ray Beckett, Jr., 78, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 5, 2021, at his residence in Jay, OK. James was born on April 25, 1943, in Gravette, AR to his parents, James Ray Beckett, Sr. and Betty Jane Reece-Beckett.

James went to grade school at Bowerman Elementary in Springfield, MO. He attended Hillcrest High School until the 10th grade. 

He dropped out of school to marry his loving wife Deanna and joined the United States Air Force. He served his country from 1961-1965 during the Vietnam War. During that time, he earned his certification as a Refrigeration and Equipment Specialist and Water Treatment Specialist. He also received his certificate in Small Arms Marksmanship. He had a love for guns and became a member of the NRA. 

James started driving large trucks and driving state to state at the age of 12 years old. He was a Long Haul Trucker in the 70’s and 80’s, when being a trucker was cool. His passions were CB Radios, guns and cars. He loved working on all three. He was known for fixing anything if he had bailing wire, duct tape and a .22 shell. 

He was a man of strong faith who loved his family. Even though he was on the road providing for them. He would always come home and enjoy his time with his family, until it was time for him to get back in his Rig and go to his next delivery. James will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

James is preceded in death by his parents, James, Sr. and Betty Beckett; brother, Ronald Lloyd Beckett; grandson, Jacob Reily Beckett and uncle, George Robert Beckett.

James is survived by his soul mate of 61 years, Deanna Sue Blair-Beckett of the home; his children, Lori Lynn Beckett-Walter and husband James Allen Walter of Lee’s Summit, MO, James Ray (Rocky) Beckett and wife Shelly Ellen Stewart-Beckett of Ash Grove, MO, Robert Lee Beckett of Willard, MO and Alicia Dawn Beckett of Monkey Island, OK; brother, William Joseph Beckett and wife LaMelia Ann Miles-Beckett of Stella, MO; sisters, Nancy Janes Beckett-Weber and husband Mike Weber of Anderson, MO and Tamera Lane Beckett-Presley; his grandchildren, Mariah Summer Beckett-Stone and husband Emery Thomas Stone of Lonejack, MO, Dana Christine Beckett of Jay, OK, Jamie Dawn Cadle of Lonejack, MO, Derick Allen Beckett, Dustin Lee Beckett, Brandon Lee Beckett, Johnathon Beckett and Katherine Beckett all of Springfield, MO, Bryce DeWayne Crabtree of Grove, OK, Kayleigh Rechelle Crabtree of Grove, OK and Levi Reily Beckett of Jay, OK; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

James' family visitation to greet friends will be held on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, from 6:00-8:00pm at Lawson’s Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 311 W. Gray St., Jay, OK 74346.
James’s Celebration Of Life Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at 11:00am, Lawson’s Funeral Homes & Cremation Services Chapel, 311 W. Gray St., Jay, OK. James’s burial will follow to Bethel Cemetery, Gravette, AR. Burial will be at Bethel Cemetery, Gravette, AR with military honors.

Arrangements are entrusted to Lawson’s Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 311 W. Gray St., Jay, OK. 74346 with Shaunda J. Lawson, 3rd Generation Owner/Funeral Director and Staff.