James (Jimmy) M. Beard, 80, of Lexington, Virginia, died Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at the Golden Living Center in Buena Vista.

Born August 18,1931 in Lexington, he was a son of the late Garnett E. Beard, Sr. and Eva Childress Beard.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Randolph, Eddie, and Billy, and one sister, Dorothy Agnor.

Jimmy was a member of the Faith Baptist Church and retired from Burlington Industries after many years of service.

Surviving are his wife of fifty-three years, Marjorie C. Beard; siblings, Inez Harris and Helen Mason, all of Lexington; and many loving nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. Saturday, March 3, 2012 at Faith Baptist Church with the Rev. Terry Bostic and the Rev. Sheldon Sorrels officiating. Burial will follow at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 2, 2012 at Harrison Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Faith Baptist Church, 15 Faith Baptist Circle, Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579.

Arrangements are being handled by the Loving Funeral Home, Covington, Virginia.