BINGHAM TWP-James Harry Beaton, 88, of Bingham Township, passed away on February 26, 2024, in Traverse City. He was born on July 4, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, to Harry and Lillian ( James) Beaton.

Jim was a man of many talents and passions, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him. After graduating from Chadsey High School, Detroit, he pursued higher education at Wayne State University and Eastern Michigan University. He enlisted in the US Army and served from 1954 to 1956 after the Korean War. He married his children’s mother (Mary Salgot) in June of 1956. Some years later, on May 22, 1982, he married the love of his life, Sally Jane (Wolford) Beaton, with whom he shared 41 wonderful years of marriage.

Throughout his career, Jim dedicated himself to teaching in the culinary arts. He was renowned for his exceptional culinary skills, and he instilled his knowledge and passion for cooking in his students and family alike. Jim was also a skilled builder and had a penchant for construction projects. He took great pride in building homes for his loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship and care.

Jim first came to the Traverse City area to help his childhood friend, Kenneth Moore, with his cherry farm and spent every summer helping out at cherry time, often bringing his students from Pioneer HS to help as well. A lover of the outdoors, Jim cherished spending time with his family, especially on his birthday, the 4th of July.

He embarked on many adventures with his beloved wife, Sally, including a memorable 9000-mile honeymoon trip in 1982, on his Honda Goldwing motorcycle across Canada and the United States. Jim had a deep appreciation for classic cars, attending car shows and proudly showing his 60s and 70s Mopars, as well as his prized 1957 Ford Retractable. He also found solace and joy in sailing his Bayfield, Go Gently, in Northern Michigan and spending winters in Sun City, Arizona.

Jim enjoyed dogs but went many years without furry companions until one day, a stray kitten showed up and he brought her in because she was putting paw prints in his fresh cement. Shortly after that, he brought in a second stray kitten and from that moment on, he became a cat lover. He shared a special bond with his furry companions Joy and Lucy.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Sally Beaton, his children Penny (Phil Shipley) Riley and Timothy (Deborah) Beaton, his grandchildren Paul ( Jacquelyn) Riley, Tim Riley, Jeremy (Amy) Riley, Mike (Rebecca) Riley, Guy Beaton, Katrina (Brad Tegeler) Beaton, and Dakota (Brittany Bolger) Beaton, his greatgrandchildren, Graham, Hailey, Aiden, Jack, Grady, Carson, and Aiden, and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son-inlaw, Jack Riley and longtime friends Ken and Rose Moore.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home in Suttons Bay.

The funeral service was held on March 2, 2024 at the Keswick United Methodist Church in Suttons Bay.

Burial in Keswick Maple Grove Cemetery will be announced at a later date.

Memorials in Jim’s honor may be made to Leelanau Christian Neighbors P.O. Box 196 Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 Please share condolences with the family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.