John was born in Gaston County on February 7, 1925 a son of the late W. Blaine Beam and Georgie B. Beam.  He was retired from Carolina Freight Carriers Corporation of Cherryville after 32 years of service.  John was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Cherryville Masonic Lodge #505 AF&AM for over 58 years and the Charlotte Scottish Rite Bodies and the Cherryville American Legion Post 100 having served in the U.S. Army during WWII.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Jean Aderholdt Beam of the home, two sons, Allen Blaine Beam and wife Denise of Cherryville, John David Beam, Jr. and friend Helen Powell of Lexington, SC; daughter-in-law, Jackie Huss Beam of Cherryville; grandchildren Liza Burton and husband Jonathan, Sallie Faulkner and husband John, Turner Beam and wife Emily, Amanda Warren and husband Will; great grandchildren Patrick Burton, Josie and Bryce Faulkner, Eden Curtis Beam, Gage and Mason Jarrell, one brother, Richard G. Beam; five sisters, Katherine Goins, Margaret Smith, Marlene Brown, Martha Ann Cornwell and Judy Bingham all of Cherryville.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son Curtis Lee Beam, brother Quinn Baxter Beam and sister Mary Sue Beam Ledford.

Visitation will be on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 12:30 until 1:45p.m. at First Baptist Church and at other times the family will be at the home.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00p.m. Saturday, January 28, 2012 at First Baptist Church with Dr. Vince Hefner officiating.

Burial will be in Cherryville City Memorial Cemetery with Masonic graveside rites.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Christian Outreach Center, 301 E. First St. Cherryville, NC 28021.

A guest register is available online at www.stameyfuneralhome.com

Stamey~Cherryville Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.