James Bean, 82, of Skaneateles, NY passed away peacefully and beautifully on Tuesday, February 23 wrapped in comfort and love by his wife and children. Born and raised in Kulpsville, PA, Jim and his wife of 55 years, Janice Walton Bean, made Skaneateles their permanent home in 1963. He and his family have been honored and privileged to live in this incredible small town where, both here and in surrounding communities, he came to know a host of wonderful lifelong friends-friends whose love for him can only be surpassed by his love for them. Jim was a 1951 graduate of Lansdale High School, where, upon graduation, he was approached for a tryout with the Philadelphia Phillies. In 1952, he graduated from Perkiomen School, where, decades later, he was inducted into the school's Hall of Athletic Honor. He was a 1956 graduate of Franklin & Marshall College, where he was a three-sport varsity athlete. Throughout his life, his alma maters remained near and dear to his heart. Upon graduation, he served in the Medical Corps of the United States Army at Fort Lewis and then in Turkey. In the 1960's, Jim accepted a sales position at Upsco, Inc. in Moravia, NY. He eventually took ownership of the business and served as President for over 25 years. He nurtured, molded and led the business into one of the top suppliers of products and services for the natural gas industry in the northeast and mid-atlantic regions. Throughout his life, he served and lent his support to many organizations, including: Bill Delaney Youth Basketball; the M&T Bank Board of Directors; the First Presbyterian Church and Grace Chapel of Skaneateles; the American Legion Post 239; the Skaneateles Country Club Board of Directors; the Republican party on both a local and national level and a variety of meaningful memorial golf tournaments. Jim was a passionate and accomplished golfer for most his of life, enjoying the game until as recently as last summer. The principles of the game embodied the way in which he lived his life in many ways-a life of honor, respect, honesty, integrity and values. Jim loved life, and his absolute greatest joy was brought by that of his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Janice Bean; his daughter, Laurie Bean Taishoff; his daughter and son-in-law, Becky Bean Barker and James Barker, Jr., his son, James Walton Bean; as well as his beloved grandchildren, Jill Barker, Jackie Taishoff, Jamey Taishoff and Maks Taishoff. He was predeceased by his parents, Harvey and Florence Bean. Calling hours and a family reception will be held on Friday, March 11, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the reception hall at Grace Chapel, 1674 Route 20, Skaneateles, NY. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 12, at 11 a.m. at Grace Chapel. Burial will follow in Lake View Cemetery, Skaneateles. Contributions may be made to SAVES (Skaneateles Area Volunteer Emergency Service) or the Skaneateles Volunteer Fire Department.
