Richmond Rotarian Jim Beaver, a longtime journalist and public health advocate in West Contra Costa County, died from cardiac arrest Nov. 30, 2024, in Palm Desert. He was 75.

Civic engagement was integral to Beaver’s success both as a journalist and community leader. He was active in the Richmond Rotary Club and served as its president from 1996-97.

Beaver also will be missed by many admiring friends and former colleagues. His son Christopher Beaver summed it up best: “He was smart, he was witty, he was kind, he was curious, and he was cool.”