Obituary of James Michael Beard

James M. Beard, 78, of Danbury, died at Danbury Hospital on Friday, February 24th.  He was born on November 14, 1944, son of the late Edwin and Mary (Wimsey) Beard.  A lifelong resident of Danbury, he was a graduate of Danbury High School, class of 1962.  He received an AS from Norwalk Community College, class of 1972. 

He was an accounts receivable specialist for various local companies, including many years at Perkin Elmer. 

James was a Veteran of the Vietnam War, proudly serving with the United States Navy.  He enjoyed membership in the Danbury VFW Post 149, CWV Post 1042, served as a past commander of the American Legion Bethel Post 100, and was also a past president of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians. 

James was a sports fanatic which included playing football, basketball, and softball in his early years and elevating him to a sports trivia expert. His love of sports brought him to golf when he became a member of the National Hole-In-One Association in 1988. His family will treasure the memories of sharing his love of music and dancing, and the stories he loved to tell will live on.

He will be missed by his two children, James M. Beard, Jr., and Theresa Marie Clap and her husband, Christopher; his two grandchildren, Ryan and Delia Clap; his sister, Carol Beard; and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his siblings, Edwin Beard, Patricia Alfaro, and Thomas Beard. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 13th at 10:00am at St. Joseph Church, Danbury.  Interment in St. Peter Cemetery will follow with Military Honors. 

The family will receive friends at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury, on Sunday, March 12th, between the hours of 1:00 – 3:00pm. 

Memorial Contributions may be made in his memory to www.Mission22.com, a non-profit organization that supports veterans.