Barb, Derek and Ryan
We are saddened by this news. Jim was a wonderful neighbour and friend. We dropped by this summer and had a great visit. I am so glad we did.
Sending our condolences and love to you all.
Susan and Ric Graham

Dear Barb, know that I am with you in spirit, my deepest sympathies to you and your family…. I will forever be grateful for yours and Jim’s friendship welcoming me into the circle. He was quite a Jimmie, his vodka twin remains to cheer his valued friendship in his absence. Rest peacefully Jim, I’ll keep Your little buddy safe. Cheers..🥃

My condolences to the entire family. I’ll always remember feeling welcome to your house to swim when I was a kid, hearing Jim’s loud (but always friendly) voice while my Dad and Jim played chess, and his constant smile. Jim was a fantastic person. Thinking of you all.

My Sincere Sympathy, Barb & your family. Thinking of you at this very sad time.

Dear Barb, Jane and I are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Such a great guy. I recall fondly when Jim was the editor of the newspaper, he’d drop by my office at town hall for a quote on Council business or the like, though I’m pretty sure his main purpose was to make me laugh.
Our condolences to you and your family.

I would like to express my sincere condolences to Jim’s family.

Barb and family – So sorry to hear of your great loss. Jim was such a good man. Always had a smile on his face. He will be missed. Our sympathies to all of you

We are so deeply ‘Sorry’ for your loss, Barb & Family……. Anmarie & David

We wish Our heartfelt condolences to you Barb, Derek and Ryan and all.
We certainly remember Jim and his constant sense of humour. He must have lightened up many many people’s day with his smile and laughter.
Gary and Theresa Bell🙏🏼

Mrs Becket, Derek and Jenn, Ryan and families
This is heartbreaking 💔 for everyone…. Just heard the news enjoyed many years across the street with you guys Tara and I are sending our condolences to all the family
Take care
Rob & Tara Russell

Barb we are sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.Remember the good times.

Barb, Derek, Ryan and family.
We are all so very thankful to have had the honour of having Jim as a wonderful friend for the past 20 years!
We are blessed to have so many wonderful memories to cherish. Jim was certainly a great man.
He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! 🙏😞😘

So very sorry to hear about Jim. His many contributions to this community will long be remembered. Rest in peace Jim, and thank you for all you have willingly done to make this world a better place. We will keep your family close at heart through this sad time for them.
In fond remembrance, Angela and Kim McLean

Barb, Derek and Ryan. So sorry to hear about Jim. He has been a great friend for many many years. And we have always kept in touch ever since I moved out west. Always enjoyed our daily banter back and forth. He made me laugh and I am sure he laughed a lot as well. Cherish the memories. I certainly will.
Rest in peace Beckett.

John Roberts

Barb and family, heartfelt condolences on Jim’s passing. He was a friendly man, a gentleman and always had a smile. He did great things in our community. Cherish your precious memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Barb and family:

So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Cherish the wonderful memories. Hugs Don & Joan

Dearest Barb, Derek, Ryan and families. We are very saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. The laughs and kindness he blessed us with will always be remembered. We are thinking of you all…thank you for sharing such a wonderful man with all of us.

To Jim’s family
Sincere sympathy in your great loss. Jim will be missed by many

Barb & families My deepest condolences . Jim gave back to his community in so many ways he will be missed .

Please accept our condolences for your loss of a kind hearted gentleman with a permanent gentle smile and ever present sense of humour

So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. You both have been great friends to Dot and I. Thanks for that FRIENDSHIP.

Barb, Derek and Ryan

I’m so saddened to hear this news. He has been a constant presence in my life and around my family at home as well at our office family. I have many wonderful memories and wish I had written down more of his jokes. My thoughts are with all of you.

I’m so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. Jim was always in a great mood when he came into A&W my prayers and thoughts go out to his family R.I.P Jim you will be truly missed by many 😢 ❤️ 🙏

Barb, Derek, Ryan and family. So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Working with Jim at the TA was a memorable time. His humor, gentleness and love of his family and community will always be remembered by everyone. Rest in Peace Jim. Glenn & Sue Rollings

Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Beckett family!

Barb, Derek, Ryan and Family
We were shocked and saddened to hear the news.
Jim had a larger than life personality and definitely had a heart of gold.
A true treasure in our community!
So many memories of the antics and fun times we had together but at the same time memories of his kind and thoughtful nature. I know anyone who met Jim was left with a positive and lasting impression.
Sending you our deepest sympathy
Deb and Dick Lord and Family

Barb, Derek, Ryan and family:
We are very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We used to enjoy our many visits at the grandsons hockey games. Those were the good old days! Jim was always smiling and doing everything he could to make Exeter a better community. He will be missed by many.
Bill & Louise

Evelyn and John Mackereth

Barb, it is with great sadness in our hearts that we send our deepest, most sincere condolences to you and your family. We have felt thankful that God allowed our life paths to cross and you have become special friends to us. We will miss Jim very much and will continue to pray for you in your time of sorrow and loss.
Love and Blessings!

Barb and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Cherish your memories. God bless you Nan

Barbara,
Derek, Ryan and families;
My deepest sympathy to all of you. Your family has lost a patriarch and the community
has lost a stalwart and dedicated worker. May he rest in peace.

Barb, Derek and Ryan,

My deepest condolences to you as you deal with this sad news. I have fond memories of Jim’s permanent smile and almost grandfatherly approach to those he knew. His contributions to this community are endless and he will be terribly missed.

Karen L Brown

Our deepest condolenses on your loss. We’ll always have fond memmories of Harry the “spoon man” Bond.
Your neighbours at Driftwood

Barb, Derek,Ryan and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Jim suddenly passing away. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Jim was a great boss and I remember so many laughs and good times with him!
Barb Consitt

Barb, Derek, Ryan, and Family,
We are both shocked and saddened to hear about Jim’s passing. He was such a kind, caring, sweet man. Always smiling and always had time to stop and chat. We enjoyed many chess and poker games, along with a few whiskeys and lots of his great stories. He will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time.
Jim and Sue Rolph

Barb, Derek, Ryan and family,
I was truly saddened to hear of Jim passing. I have so many wonderful memories of the days working with Jim at the Exeter Times Advocate. Jim was always there with story or joke that just made our days more enjoyable.
And Jim was a great family man and he was so proud of his boys and the love of his life..Barb.

It was great to see Jim with his coffee buddies some mornings and we always had a small chat or just to say hi. Gees I am going to miss him as I always heard his friends having a good laugh about something Jim said.
I am very proud to have known Jim and to have called him my friend.
R.I.P. Jim.

Barb and family , we are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing . Always a gentleman and doing what he did best , being a true friend and true to everyone in his community of Exeter . A blessing to have known Jim as a former neighbour on Sherwood Cres. and through his community involvement . Hold on tight to the memories , our sincerest sympathies to you all . Bob & Grace Clarke , Belle River .

We are sending our condolences your way with love and understanding.Aug. 12 is not a good day for our family , each year brings sadness, but we keep the good memories of days gone by in the forefront .
You try to do the same and may Our Lord help you one day at a time .
RIP Jim…a good man such as you will never be forgotten!
Will miss seeing you at A. and W.
Jerry and Alice MacLean

To Barb. And family. What a shock to hear of Jim’s death. I have fond memory’s of Jim coming into our store when he first cam to town for advertising. Barb my thoughts are with you. All the best. Irv.

Sincere condolences on the passing of Jim. We went to High School with him in Grand Valley. Over the years, one grows apart but he was always remembered for his wit and just good fun.
Greg and Lynda Moore

To all of Jim’s family & friends,
Sincere condolences. Jim will be missed. Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
Tim & Maria Hamather

Barb, Derek, Ryan and family
We are very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.
Jim will be remembered by his friendly greetings and always a smile on his face. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Dear Barb and boys,

Pat and I are so saddened to hear of Jim”s passing, please know that we are thinking of you. Jim was a very special person and was always able to help me get through difficult times. A true friend.

Glad we were able to have a good laugh on Thursday morning, I will always remember his last words to me. Sincerely Ron and Pat

Barb, Derek, Ryan & family
Our sincere condolences & thoughts are with you today. We enjoyed your company at Sherwood Crescent with Bob & Karen….. Jim was a very sincere person & with a great sense of humour.
Barry & Melonie

Barb, Derek and Ryan and family . We are saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. He was always a positive influence full of fun . There was never a dull moment with Jim around. Know that Jim was loved by his community and will be missed.

Barb, Derek and Ryan and family . We are saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. He was always a positive influence full of fun . There was never a dull moment with Jim around. Know that Jim was loved and respected by his community and will be missed.

My sincere condolences to Jim’s family
I know that my father enjoyed the times they spent working together at the newspaper.

Kevin and Gerda Rutledge

Our deepest condolences Barb and family. Jim was a good friend, a positive influence with a wonderful sense of humour. His presence in the community will be missed. Grateful for the relationship we enjoyed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Beckett Family,

We are sorry to hear about the passing of Jim. We know he is a treasured husband, father and grandpa. May your memories help you through the coming days and weeks. Thinking of you.

Jon and Chelsey

Barb and family;

I’m so saddened to read about Jim’s passing. There are lots of fun memories when I worked with Jim at the paper. He was one of the best! My condolences Barb.

Sincere sympathy to all the family, so sorry for your loss,
Jim & Linda Dietrich

Barb and Families,
We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Sympathies to you all.

Barb and family. So sorry for your loss. Our sincere sympathy to all of Jim’s family. He will be greatly missed by everyone.

Sincere condolences to Jim’s family and friends. Our family has great memories of his larger than life personality and infectious laugh. You are all in our thoughts at this difficult time.

Patricia, Rowland, Alastair & Kirsty Howe

Barb, Derek, Ryan and families
My Sincere Sympathy in your loss of Jim.
May all your Fun and Happy Memories be
comforting as you navigate through your grief..
Thinking of you Barb…

We are sad for you and the boys, Barb. Cherish the memories.

Jim seemed to always be happy and friendly. He will be missed.

Our sympathies, Ken & Joan Agnew

Barb and family,

We were sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He always seemed the same. We did have some fun times
when our kids were younger. Take care.

Barb, Derek and Ryan
Sending you our heartfelt condolences. Jim was a great husband, father and friend. He always had that ready smile and a laugh. We have many happy memories of hockey days when our boys played on the ice. Not often you run into a person who exemplified such a positive attitude each and every day.
He will be missed. Keeping you in our hearts.
Garry, Bev and Eileen

Barb, Derek and Ryan,
Remembering you during this time of sorrow. May you find special comfort in the memories you hold close to your heart, and may you find comfort knowing that others share your sorrow.
Judy

To Barb and family
Sorry to learn of Jim’s passing, our condolences.
He was an asset to our South Huron community and will be missed

Dear Barb, Derek, Ryan, and family,

What a force of life Jim was, who touched so many. His laughter was one of the best and most memorable. Sending you so much love and strength during this difficult time.

With love,

Farah, Adam and “Nugget”

Jim was wonderful neighbour for 7 years and with Barb a friend forever.Mina and I will miss him very much.We both joined Exeter Lions Club together in 1979. Barb,Derek and Ryan and family please accept our sincerest condolences and we offer prayers that Jim’s soul rests in Eternal Peace.

My most sincere condolences to the entire family.

He brought so much humour and curiosity to any room he set foot in.

I always looked forward to seeing him and listening to his stories.

Thinking of you all during this very difficult time.

Sending our condolences to your family. I enjoyed the “Jim and Larry show” as they chaired the Conservation Dinner for two years. They always kept the meetings very entertaining and we had lots of laughs raising funds for the Exeter Lions and the ABCF. Rest in Peace Jim.

So sad to hear of Jim’s passing. Our thoughts are with you all , at this sad time.

Barb, you have my sincere condolences on Jim’s passing. I sure enjoyed my visit a year ago when
I dropped in to say hello while visiting relatives in Goderich. It was great to hash over some old times.
John & Fran Wanless

So Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We have many fond memories to cherish. He will be missed. Our condolences to you and your family.

Brian and Sheila Brooks

Barb and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Barb, Derek, Ryan and Family

So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing
Thinking of you at this difficult time
Our sincere condolences to the entire family

Barb, Derek & Jen , Ryan and family
So very sad to hear about Jim. Jim had an outstanding personality, such a sense of humour, that lives through his boys. Our condolences to all of you.

Debbie Glavin and Rod Morrison

Barb, Derek and Ryan: We were very sad to hear the news last week. Jim was a wonderful boss, and I have many fond memories of working with him at the T-A. After he retired I always enjoyed running into him around town and catching up. He was a very friendly and warm man, and he’ll be missed by the entire community.

Scott and Katie Nixon

Dear Barb and Family,

It is with very heavy hearts that we extend our deepest sympathy to you all. We hold your family in a very special place in our lives. We have such fond memories of your 25th Wedding Anniversary and the laughter and comradeship that we shared. May the memories of Jim’s laughter, wit and love bring you comfort and strength knowing his amazing legacy will continue to live on in the many lives he has touched. Our prayers and love are with you all. Tina, Theresa, Marianne and Janet.

So sorry to hear of Jim’s sudden passing. He was a great guy & will be missed.
Rest in peace Jim.

Our most kind condolences to Barb, Derek, Ryan and families.
We were just so saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Such a fantastic person, full of love for this community and everyone he encountered.
He will be missed greatly by many, and we are glad to have known him.

Darren & Denise Boyle & family.

We were always hearing stories about Jim from brother Terry and brother in law Bill.
They were always indications of a great fellow.
It was sad to hear the news.
RIP Jim.
Bill and Darlene Bourne

Barb and Family,

We were so saddened to hear of Jim`s sudden passing. It was always nice to share newspaper experiences with him over the years. He will be missed so much by his family, friends, and the wider Exeter Community, of which he was such an important and helpful member. Please accept our sincere condolences.

Barb
We just learned of Jim’s passing today and were so saddened by this news. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathy for you and your family during this most difficult time.

Barb & family,
So sorry for your loss of a dear husband, father & Grandpa. Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Gerard & Judy Grenier

Barb, Derek and Ryan,

Your family and the community have lost a true classic gentleman with Jim’s passing. When I first met him many years ago I soon realized that he was the kind of guy that you always wanted to associate with. He always had a kind word or witty joke for everyone. Our condolences and thoughts are with you as you struggle with your grief in the days ahead.
Pat O’Rourke

Dear Barb and family: My heart breaks for you all! Jim always had a twinkle in his eye and often a good story to brighten your day! He will be missed by so many! Sending a big hug!

Barb and Family

Our deepest condolences with the passing of Jim. We always enjoyed talking with him . He knew how to encourage everyone. May you truly experience the love of God as you grieve and mourn. And celebrate Jim’s life.

Tony and Clara Vanderlaan

Dear Barb,
We were saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim was such a fun fellow to be around and will be missed by many.

We send our condolences from Arizona and would have definitely been at the Lion’s den on Friday if we were home.

Barb, Derek and Ryan,
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I will always remember Jim’s wonderful laugh and presence.
I send you love and please know you are all in my thoughts.

We were very saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Having known Jim for many years we know he will be missed by many as well as by the community. Our sincere condolences to you Barb and your family!

My deepest sympathy to Barb and the boys. It was a pleasure to know him, enjoying many laughs and good times in Exeter minor hockey.

This is such sad news. Jim always had a smile and a story to tell. Over many years of friendship with the guys, especially at the Bar and Grill. He will certainly be missed by all .
Our condolences to you Barb, and Derek and Ryan.
Jack and Margaret Kraft.

My condolences to all the Beckett family. I first met Jim when we both worked for Metroland and I worked with Ryan for a time. Later we would meet up at A&W Listowel where I think Jim did more schmoozing than working. You always knew Jim was in the room with his laugh. He was just the same when we ran into Jim and Barb at Anna Mae’s. May all the happy memories you have and all the smiles he brought to all of us help you through this time.

Barb and family – we send our condolences to you and your family. Many fond memories of Jim from the TA days and since. Our thoughts and prayers are with you – Brenda and Ivan Hern

Barb and family…..Patty and I extend our sympathies……we still FONDLY remember Jim, you and the boys. !! What great neighbours……Jim made me feel so part of not just the Lions, but the Exeter community. Patty and I have often spoke of Jim (and laughed)…..we shall miss him !!

Barb & Family
Our sincere sympathy, there will be lots of stories & memories to share with family & friends.
Sincerely Janice & Craig

My condolence to the family.I did not know Jim till just a year ago.I meant Jim and some of his friends in the Exeter park every Friday morning for their weekly coffee.They were all a nice bunch of guys that knew how to have fun.The fun I saw them have was to make fun of each other.Jim really stood out to me because he knew how to stir the pot with his friends.It was so funny to listen and partake a little in their fun discussion.My routine changed and I quit meeting the boys there.Jim left me a nice impression of him in such a short time.So I give my condolence also to his friends.He will really be missed.

Barb & Family We were so sorry to hear about Jim. Thinking of you all as you go through this hard time. When I think of Jim I always hear his big hearty laugh. Cherish your memories.
Ron,Lola& Family

Sending all my love to Barb, Derek & Jen, and the entire family. To know Jim was to love him. Just the nicest guy, always up for a conversation and enjoyed life to the fullest. May he rest in peace.

Condolences 💐

Barb & Family~~~very sorry to hear of your loss of Jim. He was a great man and loved his family and community and will be sadly missed by many people. The good memories you shared with him will bring you peace on the path ahead. 🙏

Barb and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Jim, sending our deepest condolences to you all.

Barb, Derek, Ryan and family, thinking of you all during this very difficult time. Jim was an amazing man with always a little smile on his face. Cherish all the great memories and know he will be missed by so many people.

Sorry about Jim . Thinking about you Barb and the rest of the family at this difficult. He will be missed by a lot of folks that new Jim .

Barb, Derek, Jen, Ryan and family
So sorry to hear of Jim’s sudden passing. Many great memories of him and all of you growing up on Sherwood Crescent. Thinking of you all and sending love.

My deepest condolences to the entire Beckett family.

I first met Jim when I was super green reporter working at the T-A; my first real journalism job. He was one of the best bosses I ever had. Full of curiosity, kindness and a zest for live, he helped make the chaotic process of putting together a newspaper a true team sport. Often the morning after the paper was put to bed, he would treat the newsroom to breakfast at a local Exeter diner where we would gleefully swap stories about the week that was. After interning at the T-A for two summers, I found a thick folder on my desk as I packed up my desk for the last time. Inside were a stack of unsolicited reference letters from Jim that wished me nothing but the best in my future endeavours and a wish that he couldn’t wait to see where my career would took me. I ended up working for the Toronto Star and then the Globe and Mail as a national correspondent, even dispatching stories from war torn Afghanistan in 2008. Journalism also took me to Alberta where I still live with my family and now work as the CEO at YWCA Edmonton. I often thought about Jim over the course of my career and the meaningful impact he had on my life. From reading the comments above, it’s clear that Jim left a profound on countless others. The world has lost a good one. KO

My deepest condolences to the entire Beckett family.

I first met Jim when I was super green reporter working at the T-A; my first real journalism job. He was one of the best bosses I ever had. Full of curiosity, kindness and a zest for live, he helped make the chaotic process of putting together a newspaper a true team sport. Often the morning after the paper was put to bed, he would treat the newsroom to breakfast at a local Exeter diner where we would gleefully swap stories about the week that was. After interning at the T-A for two summers, I found a thick folder on my desk as I packed up my desk for the last time. Inside were a stack of unsolicited reference letters from Jim that wished me nothing but the best in my future endeavours and a wish that he couldn’t wait to see where my career would took me. I ended up working for the Toronto Star and then the Globe and Mail as a national correspondent, even dispatching stories from war torn Afghanistan in 2008. Journalism also took me to Alberta where I still live with my family and now work as the CEO at YWCA Edmonton. I often thought about Jim over the course of my career and the meaningful impact he had on my life. From reading the comments above, it’s clear that Jim left a profound on countless others. The world has lost a good one. KO

Hi Barb
Jill and I are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We didn’t have a lot of occasions to spend time with him but it didn’t take many to see and experience the joy Jim brought to all who had the pleasure of his company,
We loved being with you both and we’re thinking of you now with warmth in our hearts and our best wishes to you going forward.
Love from us both
Wayne and Jill

Dear Barb and family,
It’s difficult to find the words to express our sympathy for you at this sad time. Jim was such a big part of the community and the Times-Advocate. He understood the importance of a community newspaper and all the different skills it takes to produce a paper week after week.
Each time we would see each other, he had a smile on his face and a story to tell.
Jim will be missed but never forgotten.
Kate & Doug

I’m so sorry to hear of the news that Jim has passed. Jim was the first person in my adult news career to take a chance and hire me with little experience to work for the Exeter T-A many years ago. I will always be thankful and appreciative that Jim gave me that opportunity. Jim was a wonderful man and although I hadn’t seen him in many years, I have always thought of him fondly. My condolences to Barb and the rest of the family. Thinking of you. xo