James Robert Beeding

Jim was born in Sacramento, California, on April 6, 1965, and grew up in West Sacramento, the youngest of two children.

His childhood was the typical suburban 60’s and 70’s life – riding bicycles, collecting Matchbox cars, playing in the backyard on the swing set, and swimming in the doughboy pool in the summer. There were also family camping trips to Antelope Lake and sailing on Folsom Lake. He also went with his Dad and Grandpa Newhall on several duck hunting trips to Grey Lodge near Gridley, California.

It was during those early years that Jim met his lifelong best buddy, John Zyss, whose family moved in across the street. They remained best friends to their final days – sadly John passed away in June of this year from health issues of his own. Jim and John shared many interests, including a love of all things Star Wars, comic books, the San Francisco Giants, and many others. Both Jim and John were active for years in their church youth groups and participated in a multitude of plays and programs at First Baptist Church in Sacramento. Jim loved being the tech guy behind the scenes and took this role very seriously.

During Jim’s teen years, he played JV and Varsity football as a fullback and defensive end for the Delta High School Saints in Clarksburg. He loved playing on the team and shared fond game memories with others over the years. Jim made many friends at Delta High and stayed in touch with several of them over the years after graduating in 1983. He valued these friendships so much! Some of these friends visited him in his last months, which was very meaningful to him and his family.

After graduating from high school, Jim enlisted in the US Army. After completing basic training, He needed back surgery. He had earned an MP position, but the surgery changed that path and his commanding officer granted Jim an honorable discharge.

After his time in the Army, he returned home and attended Sacramento City College, graduating with an AA in Criminal Justice. He then worked at various courier and transportation jobs, ultimately pursuing a career in the funeral industry. Jim received his Funeral Director’s license in 1998. He began his career at Gormley & Sons Funeral Home and then moved on to work at Neptune Society. Following the tragic death of his cousin, Zack Harder, in 2006, Jim partnered with his Uncle Ron and Aunt Chris Harder to open Heritage Oaks Memorial Chapel in Rocklin, California, in 2008. Throughout his career he handled all areas of funeral service. He met with numerous families over the years, comforting them during their grief, making the process of saying goodbye to their loved ones easier. Jim considered it an honor to arrange for veterans to receive the military honors they deserved and at Heritage Oaks Memorial Chapel they designed a Veteran’s Wall of Honor with plaques for each veteran they have served.

As an adult, Jim was also an Assistant Little League Coach for his nephew Eric’s team, the Texas Rangers. He loved working with the kids and the other coaches. He also served as Best Man for his brother-in-law, Kevin, and his sister Barbara at their wedding in 1986. He shared a special relationship with his Grandpa and Grandma Newhall, going on many camping and fishing trips, and sharing family gatherings with them over the years. He also cherished his nieces and nephews, and loved visiting with them and hearing how they were doing in school and at their jobs.

Jim is survived by his mother Janice Beeding Tiner (Ike), father Robert Beeding (Karen), sister Barbara Haas (Kevin), nephews Greg and Eric (Monique); niece Meghan (Daniel); great nieces Claire, Sophia and Raegan; great nephews Daniel James “DJ” and Jaxson; Aunt Chris & Uncle Ron; Uncle Gordon; and cousins Malinda, Tim, Steve, Jason, Sara & Theresa. He was also cherished by John & Cassandra Zyss and considered them family as much as his own.

Jim was a very special guy who was loved by many and will be dearly missed.

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JIM’S JOURNEY TO FUNERAL DIRECTOR

Jim’s interest in the funeral industry began at a very young age. Jim’s mother, Janice, remembers when he was only 4 years old asking if they could visit a cemetery because he wanted to look at the headstones.

When he was 12 years old, he wanted to attend the funeral of his friend’s father. There was an open casket viewing. His mother wasn’t interested in viewing the body. He wanted to, and after he did, he came back to his mom and said, “Wow, Mom, he looks really good! You should go look!”

Jim’s grandparents died when he was a young teenager. He asked if he could come along to the arrangement meeting at the funeral home. After the meeting, he approached the funeral director and asked if he could come back for a tour. The funeral director said, “Why yes! I’d be happy to give you a tour.” After the tour, his father, Bob, asked Jim about the experience. Jim replied that it was very interesting.

Jim attended the Mortuary Science program in San Francisco and received his Funeral Director’s License in 1998. He began his career at Gormley & Sons Funeral Home and then moved on to work at Neptune Society.

Following the tragic death of his cousin, Zack Harder, in 2006, Jim partnered with his Uncle Ron and Aunt Chris Harder to open Heritage Oaks Memorial Chapel in Rocklin, California, in 2008. Throughout his career he handled all areas of funeral service. He met with numerous families over the years, comforting them during their grief, making the process of saying goodbye to their loved ones easier. Jim considered it an honor to arrange for veterans to receive the military honors they deserved and at Heritage Oaks Memorial Chapel they designed a Veteran’s Wall of Honor with plaques for each veteran they have served.

Having enlisted in the US Army and earning an MP position, Jim’s name will be added to the Veteran’s Wall of Honor at Heritage Oaks Memorial Chapel.

Jim was a very special guy who was loved by many which was evident by his many friends and family members who attended his Celebration of Life. Friends from elementary school, people from the church he attended, professionals in the funeral industry and close family members came together to share memories of Jim.

Jim’s final resting place is at Morgan Oaks Eternal Preserve in Lincoln, California.

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MESSAGE OF HOPE AND INSPIRATION

Delivered by Pastor Ron Harder at Jim's Graveside Service on August 8, 2025, at Morgan Oaks Eternal Preserve.

As we come to this place where Jim chose to be buried, we come with grief in our hearts. We come to mourn the loss of this great man. This is normal when you love someone. I fished with Jim, worked with Jim, enjoyed San Francisco Giants games with Jim, and laughed with Jim. Heritage Oaks Memorial Chapel would not exist if it had not been for Jim’s knowledge and expertise. We are so grateful for having a part in his great desire from an early age of owning his own funeral home.

It is hard to lose him but we know where he is because of his own testimony of trusting the Lord to give him eternal life. In John 11:25 & 26, Jesus said; “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” This verse is so important because it helps us understand what Jim believed.

First of all, Jesus is telling us that he has resurrection power. He proved it by raising Lazareth from the dead in the same chapter. He also proved it by his own resurrection after three days in the Tomb. John 20, which is one of the most attested facts of history.

Jim trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of his sins, and he received eternal life. John 14:1-4 tells us that Christ has gone to prepare a place for Jim in heaven in the Father’s house. Then Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” There is no other way to get to heaven.

Jim and his long-time friends John and Graham are fellowshipping in Heaven now. I am sure he has hugged his grandparents Ann and Floyd, and he's probably even dancing with the angels with his cousin Zack. He is experiencing love and joy like he has never experienced here on earth.

Jim would want you to join him in heaven someday.

Again, Jesus said in John 14, “I am the resurrection and life." Do you believe this? Do you believe??? Jim would want me to invite you to trust Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of you sins and allow Jesus to guide your life. Let us pray.

If you have questions or want more clarification about these verses from the Bible, please don't hesitate to contact Pastor Ron Harder, 916-806-7305,

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Shared by Gina Cruz-Kekahuna at Jim's Celebration of Life on August 23, 2025

Hello everyone, my name is Gina Cruz-Kekahuna. For those of you that know me, I do talk a lot. I’m just not one to speak in front of folks but for our guy Jim I’m going to try my best.

I met Jim in September 1979. We were some new baby freshman at Delta High. Having attended Clarksburg for a couple of years prior, I would notice some unfamiliar red head that’d be hanging out in the office (that was near my locker) so one day when we crossed paths after he almost crashed into me with his backpack…I asked him “Hey dude, why are you always in the office? He sarcastically replies “I kinda like hanging out with Ms Farmer.”

We both laughed hysterically!

Being that Delta isn’t too big…We ended up having a few classes together so I’d tease him about “his friendship with the Principal!” Over the years, we’d joke about it and who would’ve ever known that we’d still be friends some 40+ years later.

One of the greatest blessings being raised in a small community is there’s “a unique closeness.” It’s different. Whether connected through Family, Friends, Neighbors or Farm life…There’s lots of blessings that being a part of the Delta can bring. Our sincere friendship was proof of that.

Sadly over the decades, I’ve dealt with many losses of loved ones and I truly don’t know what I would’ve done if it wasn’t for Jim, his Aunt Chris and Uncle Ron helping me get through. Especially losing three close family members, in one week, one being my Dear Grandmother.

Jim worked in the funeral industry for decades. He and his family have this beautiful Funeral Home that he took tremendous pride in and he helped me get through some of the most difficult times of my life as he does for countless others; and for that, I will be forever grateful. I did make sure to let him know that quite often and he’d just blush and give me his big ol’ silly smile!

Jim helped me bury both of my grandparents, many family members and even more dear friends. He made sure they were laid to rest and at peace. He was so compassionate and he did “Master his Profession.” Every, single detail. I always knew I was in good hands at Heritage Oaks.

Sadly, dealing with so many losses required us to stay in close contact so when he was really struggling with his battles with cancer, I’d be sure to check on him. I did so so often that I actually established a relationship with his family. They were so good about letting me know how he was doing and letting him know that I was thinking of him so I saw firsthand all the love they shared. Taking care of folks during their most difficult times, during their toughest losses.

During the many times that he was in and out of the hospital, he’d call me “to give me an update.” Having cancer myself, when I was 28 years young, I always appreciated my Dear Father sitting there with me during those 12 toxic hours of Chemo treatment so I’d tease him that “his were much shorter” so I even offered to sit with him. I swear he thought I was nuts, but low & behold...I’d be there sitting with him. He got so cool with it, I’d even see him post on Facebook to come out hang-out with him at Kaiser South! I swear that guy.

A few years back after losing his eye, he was really struggling. I was on a mission to “Rally Up” some Good Ol’ Friends to help me “Lift his Spirits!!”He had asked me to meet him for lunch after one of his doctor appointments. Being that “I like to Surprise Folks”…I decided to plan a “GROUP” lunch date. He thought it was only going to be he & I so when he walked into Kobe Sushi, he was in shock!! When he saw the group of us, He was actually brought to some tears. It was so awesome. He loved it. Seeing him “light up” was a memory that I’ll never forget! (We have pictures of that day)

Two years ago, our Class of 1983 Celebrated our 40th Reunion. I was blessed to be a part of the “Planning Committee” so I’d always make sure to Update him. If you know Jimbo…you know playing for the Delta Saints was one of the greatest highlights of his entire life! He was so looking forward to seeing everyone but sadly, his damn cancer prevented that. He was crushed. So was I. Since then, I’ve been trying to have him a “Celebration of Living” the past two years, but his cancer didn’t allow it.

I was always grateful that his dear Mother would be so good about letting me know how he was doing when he wasn’t able to himself. A few weeks before he passed away. She contacted me to let me know he had been placed on hospice so I went by to visit him. I decided while I was there, that I was still going to bring some of our classmates together to come see him. We did right before he passed away & while he was still somewhat alert. He knew we were there. It was very special to all of us.

Now he’s in those clouds, pain-free, finally and chilling with his best bud John, who sadly passed away, literally right before he did. They’re together again, enjoying their new life

Although I’ll miss our talks, your goofy jokes, that dang laugh of yours & all those silly faces…please know

I will always treasure our friendship and your humongous heart!!!

Rest in Peace my friend…until we meet again Jim Beeding always know I love you so…Gina.

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Please consider a donation in Jim's honor to the Cancer Research Institute.