Jim Beckman. Renaissance Man. Part I.

by Karen Ekstrom

I met Jim Beckman on my first day at Writing Class. He was half way through Amour et Vengeance, his World War II/French Resistance novel. Over the next few weeks, I learned he graduated from Yale with a degree in engineering. Built a construction business from the ground up. Created art. Sculptures and things. But. more importantly, I found that I liked him. Every week, he walked in to class smiling, happy with the world and full of stories. But, his face lit up the brightest, when he talked about his beloved Marlene.

Marlene, his wife of 29 years.

I watched and listened, amused at first. And then, as time went on, I became impressed that one man could love one woman so much… so long.

I’ve known Jim and Marlene for five years now.

I find comfort in their great love. And hope.

Jim Beckman is amazing. As is his adored Marlene.

A true Renaissance Man.

 

Marlene

JIM-PELATON

 The Pelaton. Jim’s sculpture. Donated to the City of Fort Worth

Interview    The Press.

IMG_0886The Dedication.

IMG_0889The Crowd.

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8 comments

Charles October 4, 2014 - 9:50 am

Jim works an idea like a dog works a bone. He grabs it, shakes it, chews it, tears it apart, disassembles it, punctures it, reassembles it and masters it. He is also one of the most self-effacing people I have had the pleasure of knowing.

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Karen Ekstrom October 4, 2014 - 9:53 am

You are so right! Thanks Charles. We miss you!

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Jan Strube October 4, 2014 - 6:36 pm

What a great portrait of Jim. He and Marlene are an amazing couple. I miss Jim’s weekly stories. He always has a happy face.

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Karen Ekstrom October 4, 2014 - 6:47 pm

You are, as always, sweet! Jim will be thrilled you commented on his post!

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Lourdes Raupe October 5, 2014 - 12:33 pm

All so true, Karen. I love Jim and Marlene. They are a delight!!!

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Karen Ekstrom October 5, 2014 - 12:41 pm

Yes, they are!

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Yvette Yeates October 14, 2014 - 1:48 pm

I had the pleasure of their company in Sardinia – and before I had even read your article I called him the Renaissance Man!! And you have described him to a T!
He and Marlene were wonderful and looked after me – both are strong riders and have the wittiest senses of humour! I miss them already!

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Karen Ekstrom October 14, 2014 - 1:51 pm

How delightful! Jim and Marlene are wonderful people!

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