JIMMY BEATTY's Obituary
On May 13, 1948, in Lamesa, Texas, a sweet baby boy was born to John and Anna Mae Beatty –- their 7th son and the 14th of what would soon be 16 children. When the doctor handed him to his mother, he told her “This one is going to be really special”. I can imagine she wondered what that doctor was thinking and what he meant exactly, especially considering he was child #14. They named him Jimmy Dale and this little man grew up and showed us all exactly what special was.
Of this family he was preceded in death by his parents, Ann and John; five brothers: Clyde, Sammy, Jason, Buddy, and Garland Beatty; and four sisters: Elizabeth Beatty Deen, Lois Beatty Lawhon, Margaret Beatty Boswell, and Ruby Beatty Miller.
Jimmy is survived by the love of his life — his wife of 56 years, mother of his children, and Mimi to his grandkids---Kaye Beatty; his daughter, Tonya Cozart and spouse Michael; and his son, Cory Beatty and wife Bern. Four beautiful grandchildren who were the light of his life: Reagan Cozart and wife Neli, Brady Cozart, Haleigh Eich, and Cameron Beatty; his three brothers, John Beatty and spouse Beverly of Brownfield, TX., Bobby Beatty of Brownwood, TX., Nickey Beatty and spouse Vicki of Justin, TX.; his three sisters, Wilma Taylor of Lubbock, TX., Sharon Diggs of Lamesa, TX., and Betty Leonard of Lamesa, TX.
Above everything else, his family was his greatest treasure. He was not ready to leave them so soon – nor were they ready to let him go. Like the songs we carry in our hearts, sometimes life leaves us wishing for “just five more minutes” and the hindsight to have known “the last time was the last time”.
Jimmy lived his life with his smile always handy and ready to light up a room. His voice, his laugh, deep blue eyes that had just enough mischief in them to keep everyone guessing and on their toes—and that cute little walk that somehow defined him. All of this wrapped up with the lessons he taught us--- will echo in the days to come, reminding us that he is more than still with us in our hearts, but he will live on through us.
Jimmy was a proud veteran of the US ARMY, and was a loyal and dedicated member of our Lamesa. Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department for 18 years.
He loved life deeply and never gave less than 100%. Though often a man of few words, Jimmy’s heart spoke volumes. His lessons came firm at times and subtle at others, but always with the intention to teach perseverance, strength, and love. He was the kind of man who believed, “If I can, you can too”.
Cars were his passion---building them, repairing them, driving them, and racing them. He loved the sound of a purring motor, the thrill of a car flying down a track, the joy of a win, the lessons in the loss, and the camaraderie of the sport. Every project he touched carried his pride and his precision.
Jimmy’s legacy is full of positivity, strength, laughter, loyalty, and love. He lived his life daily with those virtues, took great effort and pride to make sure everyone who encountered him saw it, and he would want to be remembered exactly that way.
A Memorial funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Northside Baptist Church, 406 N. 12th Street in Lamesa --- where he and Kaye were married, only 16 days shy of their 56th anniversary. Pastor Jeramy Chapman will be officiating. The burial committal will follow to the Dawson County Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the trusted care and direction of Gonzales Funeral Home.
While we will all be deeply mourning this great loss, instead of black, the family would love for you to wear your favorite racing shirt, or to join them in wearing colorful clothing to symbolize new life---ours, as we will all move forward and carry on his legacy in our hearts and lives, and his, in his new heavenly home--- probably looking for the race track on Cloud 9.
A closed family viewing will be held Friday evening to allow them all time to say goodbye privately.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, THE FAMILY INVITES YOU TO BRING A FAVORITE MEMORY OF JIMMY TO SHARE DURING THE SERVICE. CARD AND ENVELOPES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED IF YOU WOULD RATHER NOT SPEAK OR TIME DOES NOT ALLOW. WE WANT TO FEEL THE LOVE AND LAUGH WITH YOU OVER ALL THE GOOD TIMES YOU SHARED. Jesus called Jimmy home on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 7:09 a.m.
Jimmy’s final walk will be with his Pallbearers:
Kris Pope---fellow mechanic, friend, and racing buddy
Jeremy Smith --- great-nephew, racing buddy, and friend
Jaime Pierce--- good friend through his son Cory
Junior Jarrett--- lifelong friend
Brantley Beatty--- nephew and friend
Cory Beatty--- son and best friend
Cameron Beatty--- youngest grandson and best little buddy
Brady Cozart---oldest grandson and bud
Jimmy’s Honorary Pallbearers:
Ben Leonard---Nephew and friend
Bobby Beatty---Nephew and friend
What’s your fondest memory of JIMMY?
What’s a lesson you learned from JIMMY?
Share a story where JIMMY's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with JIMMY you’ll never forget.
How did JIMMY make you smile?
