James Franklin Beals, 99, passed away July 17, 2026. He was born in Reed, KY on February 15, 1927, to the late Richard and Mary Kavanaugh Beals. One of ten children, James was a World War II Veteran and a member of Mt. Zion General Baptist Church. He retired from Whirlpool and was no stranger to hard work. Along with his days at Whirlpool, he also worked on farms raising tobacco and spent days mowing for others until the age of 90. James enjoyed reading his Bible and playing cards.
Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Claudia Mae Beals and was the last living of his siblings.
He is survived by his children, Alice Meredith, Diane Shelton, Mike Beals, Angie Bruce, Sherry “Dobby” Padilla and Joan Haire; eighteen grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, where visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Owensboro Memorial Gardens.
Memories and condolences for the family may be offered at www.glenncares.com