Joel Beckwith

It is fair to say that Joel Beckwith always knew exactly who he was. He was a man who walked through life with confidence in his own vision. Never a man of pretense or affectation, what you saw was exactly what you got. Empathy, generosity, humor and intellect topped off with a spirit of adventure. Joel was born in 1949 in Boston, Massachusetts. The child of two English teachers (Joel B. Beckwith and Mary Lois (Fredenburgh) Beckwith), young Joel’s education was pre-planned by his doting academic minded father. At Tabor Academy, Joel found a mentor who regaled him with fishing stories and also happened to teach art. Joel was hooked; this was the beginning of what would become his life’s work and his most enjoyable pastime. Joel went on to graduate Cum Laude in Art from Bowdoin College in 1971, where Joel had the privilege of studying printmaking with Thomas Cornell. There were more mentors who would enter Joel’s artistic life. These were independent working artists, folks who were unattached to academia and who actively created and sold their work through various means. Joel was always grateful for their graciousness, friendship and commitment to the creative life. In his long career Joel exhibited his work extensively at major art festivals in the eastern states, in juried exhibitions and in galleries. In 1993, together with his wife Elaine, the Beckwith’s opened a gallery in Jamaica, Vermont, where they lived and worked for 28 years: Joel became official Artist in Residence while Elaine represented about 30 artists, most of whom were friends from many years of networking. In a town as small as Jamaica, volunteers are essential to the community. Joel took his volunteerism seriously including long service with the Jamica Volunteer Fire & Rescue, both as a fire fighter and an EMT. During this time, he served twice as Fire Chief. Although the political arena was not something he desired, Joel served several years on the town Select Board including a stint as Chair. Joel’s quiet voice and firm but easy manner made him an unexpected leader. Joel and Elaine retired to Florida so they could be close to their daughter Carol and her delightful family. Joel enjoyed his growing granddaughters, warm sun and the company of his aging dog Lucy. He died at home after a period of declining health. Joel is survived by his wife and best friend Elaine (Curran) Beckwith, their daughter Carol Elizabeth Stoothoff & Ralph Stoothoff (fishing companion & son-in-law), and granddaughters Maren & Abigail Stoothoff; nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 17th 2024 at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens at 11:00AM; interment will immediately follow at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery in Royal Palm Beach. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Gifts can be made in lieu of flowers to: Jamaica Volunteer Fire & Rescue Inc. P.O. Box 285 Jamaica, VT 05343

Joel Beckwith

May 22, 1949 - June 15, 2024