Jim Beers* - Michigan Department of Natural Resources

James (Jim) R. Beers received his Associate of Arts degree from Henry Ford Community College and B.S. Degree in Recreation Administration from Eastern Michigan University. Jim was the first student (with Barbara Jo Bestervelt and Eric Reickel-1958) to receive a $200 scholarship from the MRPA Henry D. Schubert scholarship fund. His professional career began when he became the Assistant Director of Recreation in the Parks and Recreation Department, Jackson, MI. He then became Director of Parks and Recreation, Berkley, MI; Recreation Specialist-Grant Program, Recreation Services Division, DNR; Director, Parks and Recreation,Hazel Park, MI and at the time of his untimely death in 1988 he was Fiscal Analyst-House Fiscal Agency, Lansing, MI. His professional career in the recreation and park profession covered a period of over 30 years.

Jim was an active member of our professional organizations for 30 years, a member of MRA, RAM and MRPA. During his membership to our professional organizations he has served as President, Second Vice President, Board of Directors, Great Lakes Regional Advisory and as committee member or chair, including scholarship and recruitment, awards, information and publications.

In his 30 years, Jim presented numerous times to various conferences and committees. He served as chair of the Great Lakes Council of Presidents. As a member of the National Recreation and Park Association he served on several committees and was chair NRPA Facility Construction Cost Committee. His work with the Recreation Services Division and the House Fiscal Agency required many appearances and presentations to local, state elected officials and lay recreation boards. Jim had awards bestowed on him, of those he was particularly proud of were the MRPA Presidents Award and the MRPA Fellowship Award.

Jim was responsible for spearheading the first legislative golf outing which was designed to enable the positive interaction between state legislators and recreation and park services personal in a relaxed atmosphere. This established an invaluable networking opportunity related to recreation and park needs and issues. In addition, he worked with the MRPA's Executive Director to create the first MRPA convention session directed toward recreation and park board and commission members to upgrade and coordinate the work of these mostly volunteers.

As a Community Planning Specialist with Recreation Services Division of Department of Natural Resources, he served as coordinator of programs between division sections and served as liaison among local, state and federal agencies on recreation issues. In this role he was instrumental in alerting local officials to the need for recreation in their communities and provided technical assistance for creating recreation services in new and developing communities. While serving with the Michigan State House Fiscal Agency, Jim worked diligently making sure that recreation services and state parks were in the forefront of the legislative needs agenda.

When Jim worked with the Recreation Services Division of DNR he was responsible for and made major contributions to the Division's quarterly publication distributed throughout the state reporting on pending legislation and providing grant information affecting potential park development. In addition, he was responsible for the development and publication of the divisions report to the Governor and state legislators regarding the recreation bond program detailing its progress and success.

James R. Beers is recognized as one of the most positive and committed recreation and park professionals to have served Michigan communities and the State Association. His humor placed everyone at ease establishing a positive tone for whatever task he was tackling.