James Paul Beck

James “Paul” Beck, of Roanoke, Va., went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 5th, 2026. He was 69 years old.

Paul was born to the late James Wilton and Rachel Ruth Taylor Beck on Friday, September 21, 1956. His childhood home was in Archdale, N.C., where he lived on a truck farm next to his grandparents. His mother Ruth had the greatest positive impact on Paul’s faith journey, as she loved him well and encouraged him to pursue his gifting. Paul was taught piano by his mother at a young age, and music became his lifelong passion. By the age of fourteen, he had begun to use his talents to serve the Lord and others by playing piano for his home church. He went on to graduate high school from Carolina Christian Academy, and from then on Paul dedicated his life to faithfully serving the Kingdom of God in any capacity he was needed. Paul served as the minister of music for Trinity Holiness Church and worked at three Christian schools teaching music to the youth in his community. He served as a music teacher at his own school, Carolina Christian Academy, for 15 years. Paul would go on to serve in music ministry for several churches, serving each one with passion and faithful dedication, including Tuscaloosa Bible Methodist Church, Parkway House of Prayer, Southport Church of the Nazarene, and finally his 19-year role in ministry at Living Well Church in Salem, Va. Through the years, Paul was a friend to everyone he came across and influenced hundreds through his music and various roles in ministry. He saw the value in every person and missed no opportunity to show them love and kindness. Paul’s roles in leading worship, teaching, and serving his community, especially with his role in prison ministries, made a positive impact on so many people. He encouraged and mentored many young people and new Christians, furthering his impact for the Kingdom. His gift for music was a lifelong passion and dedication, and in addition to his various roles in music ministry, Paul played for many gospel groups, even forming and managing his own, The Young Witnesses. Paul’s faith, kindness, humility, and gifts impacted everyone he came across. His life is a powerful story of faith, selfless love, and dedication. Paul’s family, church families, and many dear friends will miss him deeply.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his sister, Eunice Jeanette Beck.

Left to cherish Paul’s memory are his brother, Andrew Mark Beck; nephew, Kris Sechrest (April) and their children, Dean, Anna, and Aria; nieces, Amber Beck Allison (Brian) and children, Liam and Emma, and Mindy Coleman (Larry); as well as cousins, Jerry Ferguson (Cia), Janice Thomas (Henry), Joyce Ferguson, Jarvis Ferguson (Sue), Lee Ellingson (Janet), and Stan Ellingson (Jan).

A Celebration of Life service will be held in remembrance of Paul on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Living Well Church, 4335 W. Main Street in Salem, Va., with Pastor Steve Parker officiating. Friends are welcome for a period of visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service, with an additional hour of fellowship beginning at the conclusion of the service.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com