James Christopher Bean

James Christopher Bean, in his own words, "left this planet" unexpectedly to those left behind on Earth on April 23, 2022. Known to us Earthlings as Jim, Jimmy, Bean, or many other more irreverent nicknames, was born in Berkeley, California, on September 8, 1952. The fourth and most middle of middle children to John B. Bean and Ruth Leslie Bean, who both proceeded him in death along with eldest sister Molly Bean Borgeson. Surrounded by his siblings, Molly Borgeson (Dale), Robin Nelson, John M. Bean (Babette), Connie Connors (Tim) and Bridget Bean, he spent his childhood in Berkeley and Minneapolis wishing to be a cowboy when he grew up. He got his wish later in life and lived his dream with his loving wife, Catherine Hazelroth, outside of Rogers, Minnesota, on a funny farm filled with horses, dogs, cats and loads of manure, which peppered his many, many favorite jokes with a certain theme and aroma. He attended The Blake School, honed his musical talents at the University of the Pacific and graduated from the University of Minnesota. The loves of his life were his wife; his two daughters, Jenny Bruce (Dave) and Elissa Bean (Steve Mura); seven grandchildren, Libby, Betsy, Lila, Oliver, Quinn, William and Jack; and hoards of nieces and nephews. He spent his years finding the beauty of life through the lens of his camera, exploring the world through the words of his many mentors and teachers from all walks of spiritual lives, and making those around him laugh with random moos, baas and clucks during times when he would see us trying too hard to be too serious. Also, naps…he was a great lover of naps. Jim was nothing but wise, soulful, deep thinking and always striving to be the best human he could be here on Earth. He loved being among large groups of two and could rarely be found with more people than that, especially if they were dressed in anything other than jeans and a good old fleece jacket. For those reasons, he would despise a formal service or memorial of any kind whatsoever, not to mention ever having been mentioned in an obituary. However, a private, not stuffy or dressy, but probably somewhat awkward celebration of all things Jimmy will be held at a future date. Please remember him by sending your good intentions and loving energy toward the universe and all of your loved ones and then, if you feel compelled, memorials in lieu of flowers to: Elissa Bean, 5021 Vernon Ave S, Box 212, Edina, MN 55436. All memorials will be donated, in Jim's name, to charities close to his heart.