James Edward (Jim) Beckstrom passed away at his home in Spanish Fork, Utah, on May 28, 2025. Jim was born on December 29, 1941 as the second child of Fern Huntington and Jack Bradford Beckstrom, both of Spanish Fork. His father died when he was only three years old. His mother later remarried and four additional siblings were born to that union.
In his early life, Jim attended Spanish Fork High School and was a member of the Spanish Fork chapter of the Future Farmers of America. Farming was his true passion, and something he learned to enjoy even at a young age. He had the opportunity to travel with the FFA for school, and was part of several award-winning teams during his school years.
He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Florida after graduating from high school. He then went on to attend Brigham Young University and graduate with an Education degree.
Jim met his wife Margaret Joanne Kolby at a dance and they were married on August 7th, 1969 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. They settled in Spanish Fork, Utah, where they raised their family of two boys.
For about 10 years, Jim taught 5th grade in Spanish Fork. He then worked for the rest of his career at the DMV for the Utah Department of Public Safety, even earning a Distinguished Service Medal award at his retirement.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Bradford Beckstrom and Fern Huntington Beckstrom Warner, his wife Margaret Joanne Kolby Beckstrom, his daughter-in-law Patricia Beckstrom, and his sister Joyce B. Simmons.
He is survived by his sons J. Taylor Beckstrom and Jonathan Beckstrom, and his granddaughter Pamela Grace Beckstrom. He is also survived by.his siblings: Earlene Drake, Morgan D. (Mary) Warner, Mark B. Warner, and Dean J. (Eileen) Warner.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 13th at 12:00 p.m. located at the Spanish Fork Cemetery, 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork, Utah. Family and friends may attend a visitation prior to the graveside service from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah.
3 Condolences for James Edward Beckstrom
Condolences(3)
Jennifer Dodson says
June 6, 2025 at 8:16 pmI’m so very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. My thoughts are with the family at this time.
Tom Hodgson says
June 7, 2025 at 6:25 pmI’m saddened to learn of Jim’s passing. I send my condolences to his family and loved ones. I always enjoyed seeing and talking to Jim. And he always had that Jim smile on his face. He will be missed.
Lisa (Miller) Nielsen says
June 9, 2025 at 3:59 pmI was so blessed to be one of Mr. Beckstrom’s student. I needed a good teacher at that time in my life and I truly feel blessed that Mr. B was the one. Years later, I ran into him at the DMV and he was my instructor when I took my driving test. He probably shouldn’t have passed me lol – just kidding. It was fun to catch up with him during this time. James and my mother were related and I always loved that I could say I was related to Mr. Beckstrom. I am sure you are all feeling a large gaping hole at the loss of this wonderful man. I hope you all find peace and comfort during this time. Rest in peace, Mr. Beckstrom!