Biography

James Beck (1857 - 1935) was born in Tenterden, Kent, England, the son of George W. Beck and Mary, formerly Watson. The family lived humbly in the little village of Windmill Hill not far from where the Royal Greenwich Observatory stands today, near Herstmonceux in East Sussex. James was one of several children and it is not known where or how he was educated. However, he was apprenticed to a Sussex grocer and later worked in London.

James’ brother, Alfred Beck was the first of the family to migrate to Tasmania. James followed Alfred in 1883, bringing with him his sister Polly, to recover her health. Once settled in Launceston he purchased an established grocery store in Wellington Street; later, in the early 1900s, he took over another store in Charles Street, this too proved to be very prosperous.

On 25^th May 1887, at Battery Point, Hobart, James married Amy Florence Pike, born 1864, the daughter of Francis John and Mary Ann Pike, of Hobart. Amy was one of six children; her father was a shoemaker in Liverpool Street, Hobart; her mother’s maiden name was Harrington. They were married at St. George’s Church, Battery Point, but settled at Trevallyn, overlooking the Tamar River and Launceston. They had six children. They became regular attenders at St. John’s Church, and Amy was one of the original members of the Mothers’ Union branch formed there in 1894.

In his business life, James was a foundation member and for a time, president of the Commercial Travellers’ Association and a member of the Executive of the Launceston Bank for Savings. He was interested in farming and was friendly with many midland families. He also played bowls and was a keen gardener.

Amy died on 31^st December 1934 and James six months later on 22^nd July 1935. In their memory two separate mosaic panels were given by their son Frank. These were mounted one either side of the reredos behind the main altar. There is no inscription. Also, two plaques of opus sectile mosaic were erected in the baptistry at St. John’s Church. These inscriptions read:
IN MEMORY OF JAMES BECK
IN MEMORY OF AMY FLORENCE BECK

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