James "Jim" Beavers

James Paul Beavers, 80, of Vacaville, California, died after a long illness on October 23rd, 2025.

He was born in Fresno in 1945 to Lawrence and Helen Beavers (neé Jones), who instilled in him a lifelong love of the natural world as well as a deep enjoyment of cars and motor racing. In his youth, he was a talented swimmer as well as a dedicated car tuner, with his two-door post ’57 Chevy optimized for speed over a quarter mile. After he graduated from Richmond High School in 1962, he joined the Army National Guard as a marksman as well as studying chemistry at Contra Costa Community College. Both of these experiences prepared him well for his long career with Chevron, where he moved through the ranks, from a field technician visiting refineries to a laboratory technician in the research division, where he helped develop fuel additives that extended the life and efficiency of cars everywhere.

In 1979, Jim was socializing with his best friends Don and Cathy Christophe, when he met Denise Lueders. Suddenly, his life changed forever. They bonded over their shared experiences and dove into a whirlwind romance, culminating in a wedding on May 17th, 1980, in Lake Tahoe, CA. Their first daughter, Christine, arrived in the fall of 1980 and the family was complete when their second daughter, Jamie, followed in the summer of 1983. He was an active father, who reveled in teaching his daughters about cars, sports, science and always inspired them to keep asking questions. He was a strong believer in education and was very proud of the educational achievements of his wife and daughters.
Jim was well known as a kind, easy-going guy, except when he played volleyball or softball. Then he transformed into a true competitor, ready with a killer spike, and never afraid to make the play at first base. He was also dedicated to California Gold Rush history, and as a member of E Clampus Vitus, he participated in many historic monument plaque dedications with his fellow Clampers in Joaquin Murrieta Chapter 13.

When he became a grandpa, he threw himself into it, being the best Dada and Bapa he could be. He was gentle and patient, leaving us with many adorable photos of sleeping youngsters cuddling with him. If he was sitting, it was also likely that there was a cat on his lap- he loved and was loved by many feline friends throughout the years.

On holidays, Jim loved to gather the family together and feed everyone his delicious food; every holiday was a new chance for him to impress the gathered, hungry masses. We will always remember that he would “wait for the line to go down,” and let everyone get their fill first. The generosity and care he put into those meals exemplified who he was, a generous and thoughtful person, who we will never forget.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, his brother Scott, and his mother. He is survived by his wife, Denise, his daughters and sons-in law, Christine Beavers and Simon Teat of Pleasant Hill, CA, Jamie and Eric Beckley of Vacaville, CA, his grandchildren, Corrina Beavers, Colin Beckley and Eden Beckley. His daughter, Alison Beavers, and her sons, Gabriel and Nathaniel Palma, all of El Sobrante, CA, also survive him. He is also survived by his brothers, Raymond Beavers of Cordelia, CA, Steve Beavers of Concord, CA and his sister, Wynellen Hudson of Napa, CA.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Vacaville Fire District Station 65, 6080 A Street, Elmira, CA 95625 on November 15th, from noon to 5PM. Interment of his ashes will take place on a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer’s Association in his name would be greatly appreciated.

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