James “Jim” George Phillip Begin

1942-2024
James George Phillip Begin, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully on February 17, 2024, at the age of 81. He was born in Toledo, Ohio on September 3, 1942, as the first child of James and Carol Begin. He has four loving siblings, Rita Geisler and husband John, Janet Riley and husband Will, Connie Street and husband David, and Kevin Begin and wife Melissa.
Jim lost the love of his life, Martha, last October. They were happily married for over 58 years. He is survived by son, Eric and wife Meagan Begin, and daughter Julie and husband James Utley. Jim was the proudest “Papa” to grandchildren Hunter Begin, Josiah and wife Abigail Utley, Lily Begin, Lydia Utley, and Chloe Utley. Jim is also survived by several beloved nieces and nephews, and innumerable close, decades long friends.
Jim was a faithful member of the Church of Christ since childhood. He attended Michigan Christian College, achieved his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Christian College in speech and bible, and served as a pulpit minister for local congregations in Crescent, Prague, and Choctaw. He also served many congregations as an elder, gospel meeting speaker, and bible teacher for several decades. Most recently, he attended the Edmond Church of Christ.
Jim also graduated from Central State University with a master’s degree in school administration. He started his education career as a speech pathologist, eventually progressing into school administration as a principal and superintendent for the North Enid, Choctaw-Nicoma Park, Strother, and Antlers public school systems. After retiring from education, Jim became the Executive Director of the Ada Youth Shelter for 21 years. Throughout his life, he served as a caring father figure to countless children.
Jim and Martha loved to host family and friends in their home for bible studies, meals, holidays, and game nights. They also traveled around the world together. Jim was famously “frugal”, and the bearer of countless (recurring) Dad jokes or other “Beginism” phrases. He will be greatly missed by all left behind, even though we know he has been reunited with Martha and other family and friends to enjoy their heavenly reward.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 1pm at the Edmond Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to In Search of the Lord’s Way.
To livestream the service, please use the following link Funeral for Jim Begin
We offer our sincere sympathy to Jim’s family. We enjoyed many hours together when the Begins attended the Church of Christ at Little. He was a true friend and great example to all who knew him.
Larry and Rosella Vickers
To Eric and Julie,
I was saddened to just now read about your dad and your mother. They were very special friends to our family and did an amazing job leading the Strother School System. We enjoyed our visits with them, as well as your friendships with Gea and Mandy. Bud passed away October 18, 2021 from COVID. I can imagine they’re enjoying a sweet reunion as they wait for all of us to join them. My deepest sympathy and love.
Nancy Sullivan
9/5/2024