Bluefield University mourns the passing of John Beckett, Jr., an advocate for the Bluefield community and a faithful supporter of the university. Beckett passed away on Sunday, May 10, at age 76.
Beckett served Bluefield University as a trustee for eighteen years, including service as Board Secretary and as a member of the Executive Committee. In recognition of his leadership and contributions to the institution, he was later named Trustee Emeritus. He also served on the Campaign Steering Team for the university’s centennial fundraising campaign, helping guide the university through a historic time of growth and expansion.
A member of the Bluefield High School Hall of Fame, Beckett was widely respected in the area as a banking executive, Sunday school teacher, basketball and football coach, radio broadcaster, and community leader. He lived as a servant leader, contributing to service projects throughout the region, staying active in Christ Episcopal Church of Bluefield, and continuing his membership with the Bluefield Rotary Club for over 50 years.
Throughout his life, Beckett championed the university’s students and mission, helping provide scholarships for those attending BU. In 2022, Beckett and his wife, Becky Easley Beckett, were named Honorary Alumni of Bluefield in recognition of their dedication and support.
Beckett’s family connection to Bluefield University spans several generations. Frank and Elizabeth Easley, his wife’s grandparents, donated the land where the university was founded in exchange for stone extracted from the land. A house was constructed on College Avenue from that stone, where Beckett lived with his wife until his passing.
The thoughts and prayers of the Bluefield University community are with the Beckett family as we reflect on the life and legacy of John Beckett, Jr.