James Michael Beatty Sr.

James Michael “Mike” Beatty, Sr., who was also known affectionately as “Skipper”, passed on to his eternal home on May 17, 2026. Mike fought a brave and courageous battle with a lengthy illness. A celebration of his life will be held on July 11, 2026, at 11:00 am at Friendship Baptist Church in Marshall, Texas. Inurnment will follow at Gill Cemetery thereafter. Officiating his service will be Terry Holland, John Sandifer and John Dean.

Mike was born on November 29, 1951 in Marshall, Texas, graduated from Woodlawn High School, and attended Louisiana State University in Shreveport. He went on to serve our country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as an Air Traffic Controller. As an SP4, he was an Expert Marksman and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

After his military service, he served the citizens of Marshall, Texas as a professional firefighter. He later went on to have a fulfilling career in Journalism: working as a news reporter, news anchorman and news director both in Shreveport and Greenville, Mississippi. Opening his own video production company in the Baton Rouge area, in which he provided TV/radio commercials and training videos for local oil companies, became his most gratifying work.

Mike was an avid golfer and found great joy in perfecting his game. He was a member of the eGolf Amateur Tour and was the 2010 “B Flight” State Champion.

He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert “Tom” Beatty, Jr. (Marshall, TX); stepfather, William “Bill” Worsham (Frisco, TX); and grandson, Michael Wilfong (Woodstock, GA). He is survived by his mother, Billie Worsham (Austin, TX); son, James “Sandy” Beatty, Jr. and wife, Joanne (Bossier City, LA); grandson, Cameron Beatty (Bossier City, LA); granddaughter, Jennifer Totten and husband, Tyler (Kennesaw, GA); sister, Cheryl Sandifer and husband, John (Shreveport, LA); sister, Debbie Jo Holland and husband, Terry (Carthage, TX); brother, Mark Worsham and wife, Carla (Austin, TX); brother, Todd Beatty (Marshall, TX); sister, D’Nan Dean and husband, John (Dripping Springs, TX); stepmother, Dymple Beatty (Marshall, TX); four great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Rev. Cecil Marr (North Shreve Baptist Church), Dr. Paul Perkowski and his vascular team; Dr. Kavitha Beedupalli and her oncology team; LifePath Hospice; his dedicated nurse, Barbara Tyler; and Cypress Point Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for providing excellent, loving care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to lung cancer and vascular disease research programs.