Bob Cramer's Blog

Just ask anyone who ever met Dr. Jim Beaty–the men he mentored at the Peachtree-Pine shelter, the English majors he taught at the local college, or the high-powered businessmen he corralled to support his non-profit–and they would all marvel at Jim’s smarts, his smile, his presence, and his determination to help others.

While Jim was many things: a husband, a father, a minister, a teacher, a drinking partner, a Gamecocks fan, a community leader, he would lovingly acknowledge his special role as the first gentleman, the yin if you will, to his dear wife Anita’s yang.  One of Atlanta’s most impactful and important couples, Jim and Anita Beaty, together, created a 40-year movement that changed the ark and plight of homeless people in our community.  

Anita, their family, and all dear friends and colleagues lost Jim Beaty last week.  While our hearts hurt from the news, we reflect joyfully on such a fine and most-interesting man. Trained in the Bible, he turned verses into actions, delivering hope and joy to all those around him, with a smile, a laugh, a soft touch, and a big heart.  In his later years, with his graying beard, white hair, and tall stature, Jim could pass for an everyday Santa Claus–complete with gifts of wisdom, positivity, and joy wherever his travels would take him.

I met Jim and Anita in 1986 after reading a newspaper article about their pioneering work with Atlanta’s growing homeless population.  I called them up and for the next 35 years they became family to me.  

In the early days, Jim would tell the story about after having lunch, he’d come up to my incredibly messy high-rise apartment so I could give him a check to support their work.  In the ensuing years, I was honored to join their board and eventually serve for 15 years as Board Chairman of the organization they founded, The Metro-Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless.

When Sally and I got married, we asked Jim to help officiate at our wedding.  He played the role of the unofficial Rabbi.  When asked by some of the older ladies attending the wedding how long he had been a Rabbi, Jim gleefully responded, “My entire life!!!”.

Jim, Anita, and I stood shoulder to shoulder as we fought many battles to assist the homeless.  Homeless advocacy is a contact sport, especially here in Atlanta during that time frame. When we successfully acquired the 95,000 square foot Peachtree-Pine building on the famed Peachtree Street in 1997, the heat just intensified but we rarely lost our way and we soldiered on.  

In between, Jim coordinated some fundraising golf tournaments, one at  East Lake and one at a lesser course where the goal was to play as many holes as possible and have people donate per hole.  There we were, 100 holes later in 100 degree temperature, in desperate need of Advil and a cold beer.

At the office, first at the Atlanta Food Bank, then on Georgia Avenue, and finally Peachtree-Pine, Jim, Anita and I had monthly Board meetings together for 20+ years. We would make pilgrimages to the Fulton County courthouse as our lawsuit against the City and CAP dragged on.  We would bring people on tours of Peachtree-Pine, and we would find money to pay our water bill when the City threatened to shut down our shelter. 

On a personal level, Jim and Anita would come over to celebrate my birthday; they would go to Ben’s early concerts and Sara’s dance events, and they were always a guiding light on how to live life with purpose and passion.

I was so fortunate to spend such quality time with Jim and Anita, and to learn from them.  Our community efforts together represent one of the most fulfilling and joyous times in my life.  I will always treasure the loving friendship and the bond that we established.

Jim, we miss you, and we thank you for your life’s work.