James Brent Beckstead

James Brent Beckstead, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, friend and husband passed away July 5th, 2022 in Henderson, Nevada. Jim was one of six children born to Maurice & Bernice Beckstead on December 8, 1946 in Murray, Utah. He married Carolyn Nielsen and together they had two son’s Scott & Tony which were his pride and joy throughout his life. They later divorced, however, they remained close friends throughout their lives. He married Patricia Contraveos and they remained together until his passing.

“Big Daddy '' as he was affectionately known by many due to his bigger than life personality and stature attended Bingham High School where he excelled as a center on the football team and catcher on the baseball team and often was recognized in countless weekly newspaper articles for his accomplishments and athletic prowess. He was always proud to be a Bingham Miner and he could often be found, with a huge grin on his face, singing his high school song to anyone who would listen. One of his fondest memories was his starring role as Li’l Abner in his high school play. He surprised classmates by his beautiful voice which prior to getting this role was a hidden talent. After high school Jim joined the US Navy being stationed in Rhode Island and proudly served in the Sea Bees learning the construction trade which would later help shape his future career. Following high school for many years, Jim coached women’s softball traveling throughout the country and as he loved competing at the highest levels. From his coaching came many lifelong & cherished friendships.

Horses and horse racing was a love of Jim’s early on and along with his brother Dale they owned and raced thoroughbred horses throughout the country. He fondly recalled those times with his older brother whom he remained best friends with and whose passing was very tough on Jim over the past year along with that of his sweet mother Bernice.

Jim was known for being a hard worker and a successful businessman starting many businesses including car dealerships and construction companies over 50 years including most recently AMC Concrete which along with his partner, and close friend Branson Neff, grew into one of the premier concrete construction companies in Las Vegas for the past 30 years completing many large and varied projects. He was so proud of their often record setting pours and loved to drive around Las Vegas with his son Scott and his family to show off some of his favorite projects and those that were in the works. Those that worked alongside Jim considered him a mentor, friend, father figure and confidant as he had the ability to make everyone feel like his best friend and never failed to take time to listen, give advice or lend a hand to those in need. He was a champion of the underdog and a fierce defender of second chances as he felt we all needed a break here and there. Jim held those with whom he worked in the highest regard. Many of these employees and associates learned at their first job that he expected their very best work, and was not afraid to call them out if not, as he wanted their work to represent the best of AMC. Over the past 30 plus years and until the very last moments of Jim’s life, Branson Neff, whom he loved as a son, was a faithful friend, and along with his wife Bev, were invaluable to his family for their devotion to Jim and his care.

Jim loved life and lived it to the fullest. His favorite saying was “it only takes 10% more to go first class” and that’s exactly how he lived his life by working hard and playing harder. Whether it was riding his Harley with friends, trips to San Felipe to his property in his motorhome to ride his side by side and visit with friends, Lake Meade, Lake Powell with his family, Hawaii, San Diego or on the many cruises he went on he always went ” first class.” He loved people and people loved him as is evident by the many friends he has had some for over 65 years and would often speak with them regularly to keep up on their lives and those of their family.

Jim was so proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved hearing about all of the things they were involved in including their education, work and sports and could often be overheard sharing this with friends at TBirds, and then later the All American Pub, his favorite hangout spot.

Jim will be sorely missed by many for his big smile, huge hugs and how he took time to make each and everyone feel special and of worth.

Jim is survived by his wife Patti, children Scott (Natalie) Beckstead, Tony Beckstead, step children Shane Lee, Jennifer Contraveos, Johnny Contraveos, grandchildren Taraya Cortner, Breauna Beckstead, Keaton Beckstead, Kenedee Beckstead, Cheyenne Cook (Coby), Colton Donn, Hailee Donn, Satya Lee and great grandchild Tayvian, Cook siblings Verla Richards and Don (Rhea) Beckstead. Jim is preceded in death by his parents Maurice & Bernice Beckstead, brother Dale Beckstead, sister Connie Smock and brother Dean Beckstead.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Anderson & Goff Mortuary, 11859 S 700 E, Draper, Utah. A viewing will be held 11:00 a.m.-12:45 p.m. prior to the services and burial to follow at the South Jordan City Cemetery

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