Jackie Neil Beach Sr., of Chesterton, died Friday, Dec. 17, 2004 at Porter Valparaiso Hospital Campus, Valparaiso. He was 74.

He was born Feb. 14, 1930 in Gary, the son of Charlie A. and Martha (Fryer) Beach, both of whom preceded him in death.

He married Julia M. Nesselhauf Darling, who preceded him in death on Dec. 10, 1991.

He is survived by a son, Jackie N. (AJ) Beach Jr. of Summerfield, Fla.; three step-sons, John Shultz, Rich Darling, Bert Darling and Don Darling; a daughter, Sandra Berg of Colo.; a step-daughter, Julie Darling; a brother, James R. Beach of New Buffalo, Mich.; two grandchildren, Jerry Stewart and Melanie Demartinis and a great-granddaughter, Haley Demartinis.

He was also preceded in death by a step-son, Thomas Darling; a step-daughter, Lynn Darling and a brother, Milton Beach.

He was a life long resident and was employed as a pipe fitter for Local #597, Chicago. Jack ran Jack’s Bait Shop for eight years. He sponsored Little League and had seven wins out of eight years. He had a love of nature and wildlife especially Canadian Geese. He was a charter member of the Chesterton Moose Lodge #1623 and was the first Governor. Jack was also a member of Chesterton American Legion Post 170.

Funeral services, Rev. Edward Mitchell officiating, will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21 at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton. Entombment will be at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, Michigan City.

There will be no visitation.

Posted 12/20/2004