He was known simply as “Mr. B.” Fairmont Elementary School was his home away from home. In 29 years of teaching physical education, Fairmont was his only school.

Last weekend, at the age of 61, Jerry Beckham passed away suddenly.

On Monday, March 8 the school day at Fairmont will end early – at 1 p.m. – so staff, students, and families may attend funeral services. All afternoon school activities will be cancelled.

“Mr. B. was an integral part of our community and was loved by all,” said Fairmont principal Melanie Byers in a letter to her community. “He was a dedicated teacher who was committed to his job and he enjoyed the fact that he had taught many generations of Fairmont families. He will be sorely missed.”

Principal Byers said “Mr. B” contributed to the school far beyond his gym classes.

“His classroom was a safe haven for those students having difficulty in the regular classroom setting,” she said. “He ran the Color Guard, student council, was on the CSAT (Collaborative Student Assistance Team) and organized fundraisers after school. He ran the school store in the morning, raised money for books and for the Special Olympics. He had a special relationship with our TMD (trainable mentally disabled) students. They loved going to his gym and participating in the Special Olympics program with him.”

Added Byers: “No one ever said unkind word about Mr. B. We will miss this man as he meant so much to so many of us.”

The funeral services will be held at Zion Baptist Church (2368 Emerson St.) on Monday, March 8 at 2 p.m.

Fairmont Elementary School is located at 520 W. 3rd Ave.

For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 720-423-3414.