James Edward Beckner, Jr., 74, of Salem, passed away on Monday, April 16, 2012. He was a decorated veteran having served 20 years with the U.S. Army with tours of duty in Korea, Vietnam, and Germany, and was honored to have been a part of the 1st Calvary Division in Ft. Hood, Texas. His church membership was held at Bethel Baptist Church. He was also an expert craftsman. Preceding him in death were his parents, James Edward, Sr. and Ruby Brown Beckner; loving wife of 57 years, Pauline (Polly) Old Beckner; sons, Stephan Beckner and Anthony (Tony) Beckner; brother, Phillip Beckner; and sisters, Wanda Hazel and Carol Strouth. His surviving family includes his children, David Beckner, John Beckner, and Sheila Beckner; daughter-in-law, Brenda Beckner; sisters, Frances Elsea, Barbara Maxey, Brenda Shaver, and Pam Sartin; sisters-in-law, Elinor Old and Jean Trent; grandchildren, Beth Booker, Chris Beckner, Suzy Beckner, Joey Beckner, Andrew Beckner, and Billie Jo Cumbee; and great-grandchildren, Quentin Smith, Amaya Smith, and Anthony Beckner. A period of visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 11 a.m. in the funeral home’s chapel. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. The Rev. Ivey Adams will officiate. An online guestbook is available at www.johnmoakey.com. The Beckner family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 540-389-5441.