James Ruel Beaty, 72, of Hartshorne, passed away Sunday, May 12, at McAlester Regional Health Center.  The family will welcome friends for visitation on Sunday, May 19, at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in Hartshorne.  Funeral services will be Monday, May 20, at 3:00 p.m. at the Hartshorne Elementary School Gym.  Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.

James Ruel Beaty was born on May 3, 1952, in Ada, to Reuel Beaty and Stella Elizabeth (Smith) Beaty-Jiles.  He grew up in Hartshorne, and had lived in Adamson, and graduated from Hartshorne High School.  After high school, he attended Eastern State College in Wilburton, then went on the East Central State University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in English.  He married Sheri Wilson on May 18, 1986, and they made their home in Hartshorne.  James worked for the McAlester News Capital for many years.  He started on the lower rungs of workers there, and worked his way up to, currently, the Managing Editor.  James has a long history in journalism, as a part of the reporting staff at the New Capital for many years.  James had a passion for music, was an accomplished guitar player himself, and gave guitar lessons occasionally.  His weekly article in the paper covered many aspects and artists in the national music industry.  In his spare time, James liked to read, listen to music, and write.  He was also a professional photographer and had worked as an Artist in Residence.  James was a member of the Peaceable Valley Church, where he was involved with the music ministry and was a member of the church Worship Team.

James is survived by his wife, Sheri Beaty; his children, Breanna Beaty and fiancé Dylan Buenrostro, Shera Beaty, and Daniel Crowder; 2 brothers, Larry Jiles, and Brian Jiles and wife Kami; aunts, Shirley DeWitt, and Betty Holbird; nieces and nephews, Jessie Jiles, Jenny Jiles, Joe Jiles, Kristina Jiles, Lacy Carr and husband Caston, and Heath Jiles and wife Hannah; numerous cousins and other relatives.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Jiles and Stella Jiles.