James "Jim" Beckman

James "Jim" Edward Beckman, 77, of Houston, MN, passed away on Monday, September 28, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System, in La Crosse, WI.

Jim was born March 22, 1949, in La Crosse WI, to Lester and Verna (Schild) Beckman. Jim grew up on the family farm with his 6 siblings. At a young age, Jim discovered his love for the outdoors. He loved working the land and tending to the farm, hunting, fishing, gopher trapping, gardening, and was a highly skilled carpenter, making beautiful furniture, cabinetry, and other projects for family and friends.

Jim graduated from Houston High School in 1967 and the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse in 1971. Jim married the love of his life Jane (Diekrager), on May 12, 1973. From this union, two daughters were born. Jim had many professional roles. He partnered with his father in farming, real estate, insurance, and auctions. He also made custom kitchen cabinetry, sold seed corn, and worked at Bauer’s Market and Heth Hardware in La Crescent. Jim was the guy at the hardware store you brought your problems and projects to for him to give advice on solutions. Jim had a love for his community and everyone in it. He enjoyed learning about local history, reminiscing with friends and family, keeping a close eye on the local crops, designing wooden deer antler plaques, making family laugh by doing impressions, and making new friends by starting up conversations with people wherever he went. Jim was extremely active in church committees and donated his auctioneering skills for community fundraisers. Jim was honored to be inducted into the Houston Hurricane Foundation Wall of Fame this year for his 45 years of conducting the Houston Music Boosters fundraising auction with his brother, Mike. Jim was so incredibly blessed to have an unbreakable bond with his two grandsons, Riley and Reed. Together the three of them made lasting memories that the boys will hold onto forever.

Jim is survived by his wife Jane, daughters; Karrie (Bill) Schuldt, Karla Beckman; grandsons, Riley Schuldt, Reed Schuldt; siblings, Janet (Chuck) Sumner, Lester R. “Chuck” (Leora) Beckman, Duane (Marcia) Beckman, Robert (Mary) Beckman, Mike (Kelly) Beckman, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Verna, father and mother-in-law, Roland and Pearl Diekrager, and brother; Gerald Beckman.

The family extends special thanks to Houston Ambulance Service and the compassionate and gentle staff of the Mayo Clinic team who cared for Jim in his final days.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at South Ridge United Methodist Church in La Crescent, MN. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. at Hoff Funeral Home in Houston, MN, and one hour prior to the service at church. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to South Ridge United Methodist Church or Hillcrest Cemetery Association.

Hoff Funeral Home is assisting the family.