Robert "Jim" James Beaton

Robert J. “Jim” Beaton age 95 of Detroit Lakes, MN died June 12, 2016 at Essentia Health – St. Mary’s Hospital in Detroit Lakes, MN. Jim Beaton was born May 24, 1921 in Lemmon, SD to Charles and Marie (Lucier) Beaton. As a young boy his family moved to Fargo, ND, where he graduated from high school at Sacred Heart Academy. Jim served in the United States Army from 1941 – 1945 in the 164th Infantry and the 84th Infantry. He fought at Guadal Canal and also in the Battle of the Bulge. Following his discharge from the Army he returned to Fargo and married Lucille Kainer. He attended the Dakota Business School in Fargo, where he earned an associate’s degree. Shortly after Lucille’s death he married Lillian Kainer in Fargo, ND. Jim owned many businesses in the Fargo- Moorhead, and Lakes area over the years. Most notably he owned and operated Beverage Wholesalers and Jim Beaton Sales, where he sold beer for over forty years. Jim loved to fish and spend time at his cabin on Lake of the Woods. He enjoyed reading and winters in Texas. He was a life member of the VFW and was the Commander of the Fargo VFW at one time. He is survived by two daughters, Pat (Tim) Thompson, of Kent, WA; and Lou (Bob) Nagle, of Fargo, ND; three sons, Mike (Wanda) Beaton, of Frazee, MN; Charley Beaton, of Fargo, ND; and Don Beaton, of Detroit Lakes, MN; six grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two brothers, Walt (June) Beaton; and Jack (Mary) Beaton; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his 1st wife, Lucille (1950); his 2nd wife, Lillian (2014); two brothers and three sisters.