John Michael Beam (JB) was born Dec. 31, 1961, in Beloit, Kansas. He was the son of James Beam and Wyonna (Houdek) O'Connell. John died Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, at his home in Washington, Kansas. John was raised on the farm north of Cuba, Kansas, by his grandparents, James and Delphene Houdek, along with his brothers and sister. He attended Hillcrest Schools in Cuba graduating high school in 1980. He began his love for roping during his high school years participating in calf and team roping, with team roping being his favorite. His passion for livestock and horses lead him to work at the Judy Ranch located between Mankato and Montrose, Kansas. After his time at the ranch, he began breaking and training horses in Ionia, Kansas. He worked with several area youth and assisted them at numerous horse shows. He personally showed nation-wide in both the Paint and Quarter Horse Associations.

Upon his marriage to Debbie Nothern, he moved to Glasco then Beloit, and began pursuing a career in truck driving hauling numerous types of livestock, grain and agricultural products. To this union he gained two stepchildren, Dustin and Jessica Nothern. Later a son, Jarrod, was born.

During his 32 years of trucking, he continued to participate in rodeos and ropings in Kansas and neighboring states. He made numerous friends and met people he would consider family from both over the road, his time in the roping pen and livestock shows. He was known by many to have a smile on his face, a positive attitude, and a willingness to help others. As the children grew, he enjoyed roping with Jarrod and Dustin, and also traveling to livestock shows assisting Jarrod and Jessica. He was proud of the children and their success and made it a point to attend every event that he could. After his career in trucking. he moved to Washington, Kansas, where he worked beside his son, Jarrod, at MidContinent Farms until his untimely death.

He will be remembered by his son, Jarrod, Washington, stepson, Dustin (Jessica) Nothern, Ingalls, and stepdaughter, Jessica Dunigan, Cimarron, all from Kansas; grandchildren, Langston and Keegan Nothern, Demetrius, DayShawn, Aaliyah and Dominic Dunigan; his siblings, James "Buck" (Kim) Beam, Cuba, Jan (John) Kemmerer, Jewell, Jay (Lynette) Beam Cuba, all from Kansas, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his parents.

His funeral will be held at a time to later be determined.

Memorials are requested to the family and may be sent to Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, PO Box 566, Belleville, Kansas 66935.

Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home is assisting John's family with arrangements.