Jimmie Ray Bean

Jimmie Ray Bean, affectionately known as Jim to those who cherished him, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, in his home in Manchester, Missouri, surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 24, 1940, in Pocahontas, Arkansas, Jim lived a life marked by unwavering dedication, love, and humor.

Jim was a proud member of IBEW Local 1, the first electricians union in the United States, and he devoted over 40 years of his career to working at Boeing. His professional life spoke to his hardworking nature and steadfast commitment to providing for those he loved. Yet, beyond his career, Jim’s true joy was found in the heart of his family and in the simple pleasures of life—whether working on his beloved cars, making upgrades around the house, or sharing stories that would become family legends.

Known for his quick wit and jovial spirit, Jim was a true jokester who loved to make others laugh. One of his cherished quirks was telling the same story time and again, so much so that it inspired a family saying: “The chicken’s been ate!” This phrase would signal when a story had gone on just long enough, a testament to the warmth and laughter he brought into their lives.

Jim’s love and generosity were boundless. He was always concerned about having enough to care for those around him and was known to give you the shirt off his back if it meant helping someone in need. He embodied kindness, humor, and a total commitment to family above all else.

His proudest accomplishments were deeply personal and heartfelt: his marriage to the love of his life, Dorothy J. Bean, which spanned an incredible 65 years since their wedding on June 3, and the joy he found in his children and especially his grandchildren. As an amazing father and Papaw, Jim’s family was his world. He wore a shirt proudly declaring, “I’m a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather... and nothing scares me!”—a perfect reflection of his fearless love and devotion.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy; his loving daughter, Krista Dalton; his grandchildren, Chelsea Dalton, Samuel Dalton, and Chloe (Alex) Davis; and his great-grandchildren, Kamryn Turner, Ruby Davis, and Jade Dalton. He was preceded in death by his son, David Bean; his parents, Veda and William Bean; and his brothers, Vernon, Dorman, and Jack Bean.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Jim’s remarkable life at the Newcomer Funeral Home, West County, located at 2211 Clarkson Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63005. Visitation will be held on May 20, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Jim’s kindness, humor, and unwavering love leave a lasting impression on all who knew him. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, who were fortunate enough to know the generous, caring man behind the stories and the laughter. Though he has left this world, the love and memories he created will endure forever.