Antioch business owner, community leader Jimmy Bean passes at 85
To be honored posthumously with Antioch Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement Award at annual Chamber Gala
Jimmy Gray Bean, born, October 12, 1939, in Pleasant Garden, N.C. passed away December 26, 2024, at age 85 in Antioch, CA. Jimmy is survived by his spouse Jane, children, Laura, Mark, Ken and Regina, plus eight Grandchildren: Danielle, Kris, Carl, Cheyenne, Nicole, Robbie, Brianna and Melissa, and seven Great Grandchildren: Anthony, Alexis, Aubry, Madison, Ashley, Magnum and Jordan. Jimmy dedicated his life to his family as well as his community.
He served in the National Guard in his home state of North Carolina then as a business owner and life-long member of the Antioch Lions Club as well as the Chamber of Commerce and Delta Advocacy. Jimmy owned the A Street Chevron station for many years. He also owned the Bridgehead Chevron Station and the Chevron Station near Somersville Towne Center.
He loved his family, golf, taking photos, wine, Elvis, celebrating accomplishments and assisting anyone in their time of need.
Friend Martha Goralka shared, “Jimmy was a life-long member of the Antioch Chamber of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce. He always paid his bill on time and when we suddenly had to close and volunteers had to make calls to see if members were willing to continue their membership, I was assigned to call Jimmy Bean. He said ‘yes, of course I want to continue,’ and paid immediately! My boss at the Daily Ledger, Bob Smith, always said Jimmy was an amazing man who put community first and was a self-made man. Bob thought very highly of Jimmy Bean.”
She also mentioned that during the annual County Fair, Jimmy volunteered in the Lion’s Club beer booth.
Mike Green of the Delta Advocacy Foundation said, “Jimmy was one of our esteemed Spearhead members, alongside Leo Fontana, Jack Roddy and Gordan Gravelle. He was actively involved during the organization’s early years and played a significant role in its growth, eventually part of the organization becoming a million-dollar donor. His contributions were instrumental in all our major fundraisers. Jimmy ensured we had ice and that the Lion’s Club was available to help serve food and beer.”
“In honor of Jimmy and his dedication to the Lion’s Club, Delta Advocacy is purchasing a $9,000 vision assessment tool. This will enable the Lions of Byron and Brantwood to conduct vision screenings for elementary students in their communities.
“Without question, Jimmy’s life leaves behind a lasting legacy—an example for all of us to follow.”
According to friend George Boring, the Antioch Chamber of Commerce will be honoring Jimmy with the Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement Award at their annual Gala on March 28, 2025.
A celebration of the life and times of Jimmy Bean was held on Feb. 8, 2025, at the VFW Hall in Antioch. In lieu of flowers, donations can go to the Antioch Lions Club, P.O. Box 324, Antioch, CA 94509.
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Jimmy Gray Bean & dates
