James Edward Beets

James Edward Beets, age 91 of Oneida, TN, departed this life on Monday, May 8, 2023, at the Oneida Nursing and Rehab Center with his loving family by his side.  Born October 3, 1931 in Oneida, Scott County, TN, he was the son of the late Johnie and Rheba Irene Conners Beets.  James was a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church.  He was a proud Veteran of the United States Navy, and a dedicated employee of Highland Telephone Cooperative for over 30 years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife:  Wanda Marcum Beets; sister and brother-in-law:  Norma Jean Coffey and husband Jack; sisters-in-law:  Jean Lee, and Bennie Philips; brothers-in-law:  Paul Lee, and Walter Phillips; father and mother-in-law:  Lonnie and Delcie Marcum; granddaughter:  Brandi Nicole Reagan; and great grandson:  Donovan Woodfin.

James is survived by his children, daughters:  Debbie Reagan and husband David of Oneida, TN, and Jamie Voss of Ocean Springs, MS; and son:  James Beets, Jr. of Hixson, TN; grandchildren:  April Woodfin and husband Eric, Ashlee Coffey and husband Brandon, Seth Reagan, Tyler Voss, C. Logan Voss and wife Brittany, Zachary Voss, Emmaline Sharp and husband Josh, Annaliese Beets and fiancé Ethan Ratliff, and Erin Beets; great grandchildren:  Skylar Reed, Fletcher Reed, Sydney Woodfin, Bret Woodfin, Reagan Coffey, Britton Coffey, Liam Coffey, Finn Coffey, Sutton Coffey, Christian Blakeley, Chloe Bonney, Victoria Voss, Emma Voss, Daelynn Voss, and Casyn Voss; nieces and nephews:  Teresa Coffey Arthur, Rita Coffey Phillips, Carol Tester, Alice Ellis, Judy Curtis, and Paul Lee; and special cousins:  Jim Davis and C. Edward Davis; as well as many other family members and friends.

James’ greatest pleasure in life was spending time with his family and friends, reminiscing about old times, especially his time in the Navy while stationed in Hawaii and San Diego.  He also enjoyed his time spent outdoors with his boxer, Cheyenne.  James was an avid U. T. Football fan and watched every game.  Before the games were televised, we all huddled around the radio and listened to John Ward call the games.  He often spoke of his cross-country trips on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.  He never met a stranger and could talk to anyone, and when the conversation was done, he had made a new friend.  He will be missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Oneida Nursing and Rehab Center, and Big South Fork Medical Center for their professional care and kindness.

Friends may visit with the Beets family on Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 1 p.m. until time of the funeral service at 3 p.m. in the chapel of West-Murley Funeral Home with Pastor Ricky Sharpe and Bro. Leo Strunk officiating.  Committal service will follow in the Litton Cemetery in Oneida with full Military Honors conducted by the American Legion Post #136 of Oneida.  Pallbearers will be:  Seth Reagan, Tyler Voss, Logan Voss, Zachary Voss, Josh Sharp, Ethan Ratliff, Eric Woodfin, and Brandon Coffey.  Honorary Pallbearers will be:  Christian Blakeley, Fletcher Reed, and David Reagan.

West-Murley Funeral Home is serving the family of James Edward Beets.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Edward Beets, please visit our floral store.