James D. Beesley

James D. 'Jim' Beesley, D.V.M., passed away due to kidney cancer on July 31, 2007. Thanks to Whatcom Hospice, he died peacefully at his home in Everson, Washington, with his wife and beloved pets by his side. Jim was born on August 14, 1949, in Topeka, Kansas, to James K. and Dorothy M. (Stansbury) Beesley. He was valedictorian of Pomona High School graduating class of 1967 and went on to graduate from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Throughout Jim's high school and college years, he worked on various farms in Eastern Kansas, and with his mentor, Dr. J. C. Smith, DVM, of Ottawa. From 1974 to 1985, Jim practiced veterinary medicine at Mission Animal Hospital in Alhambra, California. In 1985, he and his family moved to Whatcom County, Washington and, in 1986, he co-founded Glacierview Animal Hospital in Ferndale, Washington, where he practiced until 2001. For the past six years, he has worked part-time at Mountain Veterinary Hospital. His father, Jim, and brother, Mike, preceded Jim in death. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn of the home; son, James 'J. C.' Beesley of Las Vegas; mother, Dorothy Beesley of Ottawa, Kansas; sister, Jo Anne Willford and her husband, Ronnie, of Wichita, Kansas; special aunt and uncle, Ruth and Neil Carlson; and many relatives and friends. This kind, gentle man will be terribly missed by both his two and four-legged family and friends. SERVICES: Jim was cremated and his cremains scattered on their acreage near Everson, and at his request there were no services in Washington. Memorial services will be held at Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa, Kansas, 3:00 p.m. Friday, August 10, 2007. The family will meet with friends following the service. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Bea Martin Peck Animal Shelter Memorial Fund, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa,