James Beamer Loftis

Mr. James Beamer Loftis, age 95 of Mount Airy, passed away on Monday evening, October 5th, 2026, at Chatham Nursing and Rehabilitation in Elkin. Mr. Loftis was born on November 18, 1930, in Surry County to the late William Earl Loftis and Alma Dora Beamer Loftis. His mother passed away during childbirth, and he was lovingly raised by his grandparents, the late Willie Emma Shelton Loftis and Ephraim Jackson Loftis, Sr. Beamer grew up in the Flat Rock community and attended Flat Rock School and Flat Rock Baptist Church. He proudly served his country in the United States Army in Japan and Korea during the Korean Conflict. He lived a life marked by faith, kindness, and devotion to God and his family. He patiently cared for his wife who battled Alzheimer’s for many years. Beamer was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Surviving are his daughter and son in law, Denise Loftis Glace and Dr. Charles Lawrence Glace; grandchildren, James William Glace, Christopher Lawrence Glace and wife Leah Ressler Glace; one great-grandson, Elliott Michael Glace; a half-sister, Frances Loftis Cox; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and grandparents, Mr. Loftis was preceded in death by his precious wife of 74 years, Patsy Jean Midkiff Loftis; three half-sisters, Betsy Loftis Cox, Linda Loftis Watts, and Patricia Loftis Midkiff; and two half-brothers, Barry Loftis, and Harry Loftis. A graveside service will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 2:30 PM at Midkiff Cemetery in Mount Airy, with Dr. David Sparks officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Western North Carolina Alzheimer’s Chapter. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to David Smith, Dr. David and Christine Sparks, Mike Midkiff, and Mason Midkiff for all their help, support and kindness. The family also wishes to thank the staff of Chatham Nursing and Rehabilitation for the compassionate care shown to Mr. Loftis. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy has been entrusted with the arrangements.