James D. Beatty

James D. Beatty, 88, of Massillon passed away Monday, October 22, 2007, at the Arbors Nursing Home in Canton. Jim was born on July 14, 1919, in Canton to John and Marian (Seaman) Beatty. He graduated from Washington High School with the Class of 1937, then attended Case Western Reserve University. He entered the United States Army in 1941 and became a pilot. As a pilot in WW II, he was responsible for flying supplies from India to China over the Hump (Himalayas) and was recognized by the Chinese Government. His military awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and WWII Combat Medal. In 1951, he requested recall to active duty for the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on November 30, 1957, as a Major from the United States Air Force. Jim retired from the engineering department of General Motors in Cleveland. He was a life member of American Legion Post 221, DAV Chapter #38, 37th Div. Veterans Association, and The Hump Pilots Association. He is survived by his wife, Jean (Marshall) Beatty, whom he married on June 26, 1955; four daughters, Kimberley & Michael Ott of Canton, Vickie & Bill Fagert of Wooster, Becky & Edward Szeman of Ft. Mill, SC, Amy and Cory Freadling of North Ridgeville; eight grandchildren, Matthew and Michael Fagert, Maggie, Edward, Deborah, Leigh Anne, Michael, and Joseph Szeman. A Memorial Service for the family will be held Friday, November 2, 2007, at the Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon. Interment will be held at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio, at a later date. Messages of support and sympathy can be sent to www.paquelet.com. Paquelet Massillon A Golden Rule Funeral Home (330)833-3222