James Christian Van Beek, 78 of Ashland passed away Sun. May 4th after a period of declining health.  Born in Iowa, he was the son of the late Chris and Verna (Teeselink) Van Beek.  He was the husband of Lynn (Palmieri) Van Beek.  Mr. Van Beek began his career in the electronics field working for Honeywell Co. and Prime Computer.  He later founded and was president of Specialty Forest Products of Hopedale.  James was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, boating, and volleyball.  He was also an accomplished woodworker and avid cyclist, twice participating in the Pan Mass Challenge.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Kris Van Beek and his wife Mary Jo of Mashpee, Kevin Van Beek and his wife Andrea of Hopkinton, and Adam Van Beek and his wife Keri of Ashland, twelve grandchildren, Nicholas, Alec, Morgan, Hayden, Emma, Evan, Lila, Ivy, Gabrielle, Jackson, Barron, and Ashton, siblings, David Van Beek, James Van Beek, Robert Van Beek, the late Richard Van Beek, Jon Van Beek, Jane Zupp, and Daniel Van Beek, and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Thur. May 8th at 11:00am in the Chapel of the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. Ashland, MA with burial to follow in Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland.  Visiting hours will be held Wed. from 4:00-7:00 PM in the Matarese Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer's Association.