Jimmie R. Beswick, 94, of Bettendorf, Iowa, formerly of East Moline, IL, passed away Sunday December 17, 2023 at Harmony, Davenport.

Graveside services, with military honors, will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island. Those wishing to attend are to meet at Van Hoe Funeral Home, 1500 6th St., East Moline at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Jimmie was born September 13, 1929 in Rock Island, Illinois, a son of Vernon and Ruby Karr Beswick. He married Mary A. Brewer. She preceded him in death on September 13, 2013.

Jimmie was a proud U.S. Army veteran and paratrooper. He retired as an engineer from SBC/AT&T.

He was a cofounder, member, and past vice president of the Rock Island/Henry County Chapter of Pheasants Forever. In earlier years, he was a hunter safety instructor.

His passion was painting wildlife and animals. He was the owner and artist in residence of the former Golden Day Wildlife Gallery, East Moline. J.R. was an unabashed dog lover, and devout student of nature and wildlife. Literally hundreds of dog owners throughout the world have had their dogs immortalized in watercolor by the award-winning artist. J.R. has been commissioned by Cabela's to create dog portraits for their customers.

Duck's Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and other sporting and conservation organizations have been the recipients of his original paintings and prints. His work has been displayed at Marsh & Field Wildlife Gallery, Costello's Old Mill Gallery, and other galleries and collections throughout the Midwest.

Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Raymond and Nola Beswick, daughter, Sharon Eggerichs, and their families.

Online condolences may be expressed at vanhoe.com