Saturday, March 22, 2025
BELOIT – On March 7th, 2025, Beverly "Bev" Bea James passed away peacefully at the age of 90 in Beloit, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald, and her parents.
Beverly was born on May 18, 1934, in Topeka, Kansas, the only child of Clarence "Church" and Nora (Fairchild) Churchill. As a young girl, she and her family moved across several Kansas towns due to her father’s work with the rural electric company. They eventually settled in Beloit, where she graduated from Beloit High School in 1952. Beverly went on to earn her master’s degree in Education.
She dedicated her career to teaching, working in Formoso and Beloit schools from 1955 to 1995. Her impact on students was profound, and she was honored as a Teacher of the Year finalist in 1995. Even after retirement, she continued to mentor and educate children both in school and at home.
On December 27, 1955, Beverly married Gerald Ray James. Together, they raised three children—Jeri, Jeffrey, and Joni—and shared 43 wonderful years of marriage until Gerald’s passing in March 1999.
Beverly was passionate about serving her community and church. She was a charter member of both the Delphian Club and the Allegro Music Club and served as a moderator for the Presbytery of Northern Kansas. She also volunteered with various churches and was a dedicated supporter of the Mitchell County Food Pantry.
In addition to her dedication to education and service, Beverly was an avid Kansas Jayhawks fan and loved watching KU basketball or discussing sports with family and friends.
She is survived by her children: Jeri (Greg) Hewitt of Wichita, Jeffrey (Tonya) James of Kansas, and Joni Hopp of Hays; grandchildren: Matthew Hewitt, Emily (Hewitt) Pierson, Jesse James, Frank James, Donald James, Austin James, Megan Hopp, and Zachary Hopp; eight great-grandchildren, and two sisters-in-law: Doris Kindscher and Maxine Noah.
Funeral services will be at 2 PM Wednesday, March 12 at the Beloit First Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be from 1-7 PM, with family present from 5-7 PM Tuesday at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Beloit First Presbyterian Church or the Mitchell County Food Pantry. Roberts Family Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be left at www.robertsfamilyfs.com
