John “Jack” Thomas Beckman Jr.
October 24th, 1945 – May 12th, 2024
John “Jack” Thomas Beckman Jr., a beloved resident of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2024, at the age of 78, with his family by his side. Born on October 24, 1945, in St. Louis, he was the cherished son of the late John T. Beckman Sr. and Barbara Ann (Bornor) Beckman.
Jack is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Patricia “Pat” (Leach) Beckman; his two sons, John T. Beckman III and Michael D. Beckman; and his adored granddaughter, Kennedy A. Beckman, who lovingly called him PawPaw.
A graduate of Christian Brothers College High School (CBC) in 1963, Jack served his country honorably in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. His professional life was dedicated to the labor movement, particularly his leadership within the St. Louis-based IATSE Local 6 Stagehands, where he served as Business Agent from 1978 to 2014. His commitment and contributions to the union were further recognized when he was appointed to the IATSE General Executive Board in 2004, serving as its International Vice President until his retirement in 2016.
In retirement, Jack enjoyed playing golf weekly with his friends, spending time with his wife and two sons, and being the proudest grandpa.
Jack’s legacy is one of service, dedication, and love for his family. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Service Information: May 24, 2024 @ 2:30 PM | Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery |
A Great man has been taken to soon. I know that Jack will be remembered and remain in our hearts forever in our time on earth. We will meet again. Until then let’s remember our cherished memories and live in the spirit of Jack. RIP dear friend
A great leader of us all. Always a pleasure with him. He sure kept us busy. He left too soon. Thank you Jack for all you did.
We are honored to know Jack and his humor. We will cherish our memories of the times we spent together. Deepest sympathy to Pat, John and Mike.
Dad,
This wasn’t the ending we had discussed or hoped for, yet your will to live and your bravery displayed superhuman strength. You gave yourself one day to be mad and sad, and then you focused on what you could control—fighting and letting go of what you couldn’t.
I saw a new vulnerable side to you, my selfless hero who always prioritized my needs and sacrificed so much to ensure I never went without. Feeling pain, whether physical or emotional, is not a sign of weakness. It shows you are human and reveals the depth of love in your heart.
Cancer is cruel and ugly, but the last 26 days we spent together in the hospital, facing this ordeal, brought moments of unexpected beauty. Every day tested our emotional and physical limits, especially as I held your hand while you took your last breath. These moments were painful yet profoundly meaningful, and I will hold them close forever.
I am so grateful for every one of our conversations, especially the hard ones, including our last. I will never forget my last promise to you: to look after Mom and Kennedy and ensure they never do without. Having the opportunity to be with you in your final days taught me the importance of having those challenging conversations. It’s hard to accept that you’re gone, but I find peace in our years of unforgettable memories and knowing I was there with you until the end.
Life changes quickly, underscoring the value of every moment. You taught me to appreciate what we have, to live fully in the present, and to never waste a second. Your lessons—to show no fear, to love freely, to enjoy life, and to keep fighting—have given me strength beyond measure.
In the end, it is love and those who inspire it that truly matter. Holding your hand as you took your last breath was a profound honor, just as you held me when I took my first.
With all my love, until we meet again,
Always and forever,
❤️ JTB3
Jack had a personality that would make your day!! Very funny and the life of every party!! Always there if you needed him. One of my best friends and I know I was one of his. There will never be another Jack Beckman!! Never !
When we leave this place here we call home for the final time, our loved one’s cry, and mourn, for the loss is great and they say oh there he goes, yet as he transitions home his loved ones gone before him stand in the ready, calling out, waving, crying tears of great joy, saying oh here he comes, here he comes we’ve been waiting for you. Remember you never die as long as you live in the hearts of those we leave behind. To my friend Pat and the Beckman family I’m so very sorry for your loss. Travel well Jack, I was glad to know you.
Uncle Jack was an amazing man. He was always there for me and my family.
He always answered when I called and never said no if I needed help.
His smile and laughter will be missed.
He taught me how to be a better person and to never give up on the things I wanted.
He was loved by so many people and I never met a person who did not respect him and love him.
Uncle Jack and Aunt Pat had always treated me like family.
Love you Uncle Jack there is a piece of my heart that is gone.
I will miss stoping hi Jack’s house we would sit and talk about union stuff and what’s going on at our old neighborhood. It was such a great guy. I worked for the stage for a little bit when times got rough with the Carpenters. I’m at Jack and the neighborhood had an outside party that’s how I got on when the carpenters were really slow Jack Jack has always been my friend and I will miss him very much. Maybe we meet again Jack Beckman God bless a union brother.
I haven’t seen Jack in many years, but watching him and his family through social media I knew immediately how much he loved his boys and granddaughter. I’ve known his commitment to Patty. They were together through good and bad times for many years. He was always such a great man to me and my family. I know his presence will be missed by many. I’m sorry for your loss Beckman family.
A great friend who will be truly missed we had some crazy times in all the years we were friends We were college roommates and friends since it is so sad I won’t here that loud laugh from another loud person you were one of a kind hope to see you again god bless so long friend
I’m so sad, but know he is with Bobby and others having a big reunion. You two were always available when Bobby needed help whether to keep him company or get him to the hospital. My girls and I will be forever grateful to Jack and you. He always had that big smile and a silly joke. We will miss him and celebrate him.
Jack was the kind of guy who was only interested in doing the right thing and he was worried about doing it for others. That is why he was RESPECTED SO MUCH.He didn’t care if you did not like him he was too busy doing his job. He had a tough job but his big heart and concern for labor and its members was Jack. Thanks for helping so many members and people who benefitted from you. AND will for many years to come.Maybe the curtain has been closed but your show goes on forever! Don Cooper Local 39 Decorators and Displayman
Jack was a very caring person and he will definitely missed by all the people that knew him. He was an amazing husband and father to his sons. You will always be remembered❤️. Life will be different for your family. I pray for you and your family 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻. May you rest in peace🥰. I know you will still watch over your family❤️
Pat, I’m so sorry that you lost the love of your life. I know your boys will watch over you like Jack wanted. The few times I met him he always had a smile on his face and everybody was smiling with him. My sincere sympathy to the boys and little Kennedy.
Pat, I’m so sorry that you lost the love of your life. I know your boys will watch over you like Jack wanted. The few times I met him, he always had a smile on his face and everybody was smiling with him. My sincere sympathy to the boys and little Kennedy.
John “Jack” Beckman was a Mentor, Friend, and a driving force behind some of the greatest union members I have the honor of calling brothers. His dedication to the local was only super-seeded by his love of his family.
Jack was a force of nature that I was glad to have on my side.
Pat may you and the family find peace and know that this great man has a constant place in my heart and that of many others that he helped along the way.