James B. Beauchamp June 14, 1928 - January 6, 2014

James Butler Beauchamp of Balboa Island passed away January 6, 2014 of natural causes. He lived 85 terrific years. He is survived by his wife Pam, Sister Helen “Beby” his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Jim was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1928 in Glendale, CA to Dr. Curtis and Eva St. Cee Butler Beauchamp. Jim was the youngest of his four siblings; Betty, Bob, Jean, and Helen “Beby”. Though Jim was born in Glendale, CA and raised in Eagle Rock, CA, he spent his summers as a youngster on Balboa Island. His love of Newport Beach drove him to make it his permanent home beginning in the 1960’s.

Jim was blessed with an extraordinary life that was as full and rewarding for him as it was for all the friends and family that were lucky enough to know him. Jim spent the majority of his career working in his family’s business, Dr. Beauchamp, which eventually became Western Dental. Like all things in Jim’s life his career was not focused on just one area. He became involved in many diverse endeavors, such as farming, real estate, investing in small business, etc.

While Jim worked hard, he enjoyed playing hard too. Because Jim lived his life so richly and with such zeal it is impossible to capture all the things he loved and cherished. However, some things particularly worth mentioning include: golf, sailing Hobie Cats and Tornadoes, the “Beach It”, Palm Springs, stick chewy chocolate ice cream, Lum, Catalina, racing the Dorothy-O, Maui, skiing, jogging, firecrackers, cocktails, convertible Mercedes, wind surfing, the beach, Santa Ana Country Club, backgammon, Odie, hanging out with buddies at Java City, and most of all, being around friends and family. He was also once dubbed by a newspaper columnist as “the Mayor of China Cove”. Finally, legend has it that Jim shot more than one hole in one, not sure there is anybody that can validate that claim, but it’s something he would want mentioned.

With all of his travels and life experiences, Jim lived the equivalent of three lifetimes. His very large family results from being one of five children. He was married to Shirley for 28 years with children Nancy and Susan, and subsequently was married to Martha for 27 years with children Jimmy and his step daughter Lisa. He had a large family of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He’s been married to his current wife Pamfor eight years, bringing her three children Matthew, Tyson, and Scott into the family. The size of Jim’s family is only dwarfed by the sheer number of friends that he had. People close to Jim are well aware of his magnetic personality that produced many great friendships that lasted a lifetime. Jim will be truly missed by all who knew him. We love you Jim, Papa Jim, Unc, Silver Fox, Beach, Jimbo, and most of all Dad.

A private memorial service was held in Jim’s honor at the Santa Ana Country Club, Saturday, January 11, 2014.