Alexander James

Francis Beecham

Alexander James Francis Beecham of St. Louis, MO passed away at his home March 23, 2022, having reached the age of 52 years.  Alex was born on August 16, 1969 in Eastbourne, East Sussex, England (UK) to Richard and Danila (Bonino) Beecham.  In 1974, Alex's family moved to Brighton, also in East Sussex, where he and his younger siblings had the good fortune to learn the traditions and languages of both their English father and their Italian mother.  Childhood years were punctuated with frequent trips to visit the extended Italian family, including a longstanding family tradition of vacationing together in the Italian Alps.  Alex was a lover of languages and completed coursework in linguistics at the University of Brighton.

As a young adult, Alex became an adventurer and traveler.  In the mid 1990s he traveled to the United States where he met his wife, Miriam Schroeder, of rural Warrenton, MO.  They were married December 1, 1995 in Hermann, MO extending Alex's "visit" to the US to over two and one-half decades.  Alex and Miriam lived in the San Francisco Bay area for 8 years, followed by 4 years near Los Angeles, prior to returning to Missouri in 2009.

Alex embraced his adopted city of St. Louis Missouri, and took a special interest in local politics and neighborhood affairs, including volunteer work with victims of crime.  As an Airbnb proprietor, Alex shared his pride in St. Louis with out-of-town guests.  When his in-laws, Walter and Roxie Schroeder of Warrenton visited in the city, he was an endless source of suggestions for fun local and regional activities.  Alex served a valued and essential role in his wife Miriam's psychiatric practice, providing organizational support and serving as a patient liaison.  He took a heartfelt interest in the wellbeing of the patients, who frequently expressed appreciation for his helpfulness, sympathetic ear, and his lighthearted, upbeat nature.

Alex had a special interest in computers/technology, gardening, cacti, and succulents.  He enjoyed browsing estate sales and had a shrewd eye for spotting a bargain.  He especially enjoyed reselling items which he had acquired for virtually nothing.  His series of pets included a python ("Monty") and an Iguana.  Miriam was grateful when his choice of pets moved from reptiles to mammals.  His beloved cats were always nearby to enjoy his generous attention.

Alex was preceded in death by grandparents Harold and Carol Beecham, and Umberto Bonino.  He is survived by his loving wife, Miriam Schroeder; his parents, Richard and Danila Beecham; one sister, Charlotte Beecham and husband Damian Redman; one brother, Phillip Beecham and wife Robin Fleury-Beecham; maternal grandmother Graziella Cavallero; aunts and uncles, James Beecham, Francesco and Grazia Bonino, Alessandro Bonino, and Anna Villa; nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and other relatives and friends.