James "Jim" R. Beehler

James Roger “Jim” Beehler, age 81 of Mishawaka, passed away November 10th, 2025, at Elkhart General Hospital. Jim was born October 6th, 1944, in Wakarusa, Indiana, to the late Charles Jr. and Virginia (Battles) Beehler. Jim was raised on a large dairy farm in St. Joseph County and was a graduate of Madison High School. In his younger years, Jim was a participant in the FFA and Madison Township 4H Dairy and Swine clubs where he was voted the outstanding Junior Leader and the 4H King. He later went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Purdue University. While at Purdue, Jim was a member of the Air Force ROTC and became a lifelong fan of the University’s football and basketball teams. 

While home from college working on the farm, he met Georgean “Genie” Minzey and they were married on June 25, 1966, between Jim’s junior and senior year at Purdue. Jim and Genie recently celebrated 59 years of love, laughter and friendship.

Jim is survived by his wife Genie and their daughters Debbie (John) Pletcher of Mishawaka and Tracie (Shawn) Kertai of Bremen. He was a proud Grandpa to 6 grandchildren who he loved and adored: Dillan (Stephanie) Harbison, Dawn (Lawton) Houser, Brooke Kertai, Kristyn Kertai, Paige Kertai and Jonny Pletchter, along with 3 great grandchildren, Mia Harbison, Letty Harbison, and Payton Houser. Jim is also survived by his sister Patricia “Pat” Hubbard of Mishawaka and his brother Alan (Sherry) Beehler of Wakarusa. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Paul Hubbard.

Visitation will be held from 12-2 pm Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola, with funeral services to follow at 2pm.

Jim began his career teaching Agricultural classes at Fairfield and Schmucker Junior High Schools and later became a certified engineer in the HVAC business, opening Beehler Heating in Osceola where he served his community for several years. Later, Jim took a position with Tyler’s of Niles, where he designed and patented several HVAC parts still in use today. Following his retirement, Jim went back to substitute teaching for many years where he was loved by the teachers and students alike.

Jim and Genie loved traveling together in their RV, spending many winters in Ocala, Florida. They enjoyed memorable trips with their grandchildren to Arizona and Florida, traveled together to Puerto Rico, and over the years visited many of the lower 48 states, Hawaii, and the Bahamas with their daughters.

Family was always Jim’s greatest joy. He loved camping with his girls, coaching and mentoring his daughters on the softball field, and volunteering as an umpire for high school and college games. His grandchildren brought him endless pride, and his loyal dog, Abby, was never far from his side. Jim will be remembered as a loving, dependable, and caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of St. Joseph County or to a 4-H club of your choice. To light a virtual candle, share a story, or leave a message of comfort for Jim’s family, please visit the Guestbook tab above.

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