James Robert Beasley, 87, of Gainesville, MO passed away Friday, May 22, 2026 at Gainesville Healthcare Center. He was born November 15, 1938 in Wilhoit, MO son of J.E. “Everett” and Gertrude (Loftis) Beasley. James was a Gainesville High School graduate.
He served in the Army as a Spec/5, Company B, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. He was vice president of the CertainTeed Corporation before moving back to Missouri in 1974 where he started Bryant Plastics. He and his first wife owned and ran the Lyon’s Den restaurant for several years before retiring. He liked to farm, hunt and fish, and watch Kansas City Chiefs football. He enjoyed bluegrass music and spent many get-togethers with family and friends playing bluegrass on his guitar.
James was of the Church of Christ faith, but attended Lilly Ridge General Baptist Church in his final years. He was married to Wilda F. (Phipps) Castle on January 6, 1962, until her death in 2005. He married his second wife, Opal M. (Thompson) Miller on July 20, 2008.
He is survived by his wife, Opal Beasley of Gainesville; one daughter, Sonja Runion of Oakland, AR; step children: Steven Castle and wife from Spring, TX, Debra Castle of Norman, OK, Angela Wallace and husband of Gainesville, and Glenda Silvey of Gainesville; two granddaughters, Amber Lambert of Mtn View, AR and Katrina Binkley and husband of Mtn Home, AR; 10 step-grandchildren: Shayne Castle, Sheila Shine, Jerry Handley, Tamra Robinson, Tara Rivera-Handley, Daniel Wallace, Brenda Frye, Marsha Conklin, Andrew Landers and Alan Landers. He had many great and step great grandchildren, plus many nieces and nephews, and a special friend who was like a son to him, Chad Sanford.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Wilda; and his siblings: Glen, Albert, Eugene, Bernice Byerley, Bonnie Dame, Roscoe, and Sarah (Josephine) Oxley; and step children Karen Handley and Richard Miller.
As per his wishes, there will be no memorial service. Donations may be made to the Loftis Cemetery. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.
