Thousands of people gathered in Oakland to bid farewell to legendary football coach John Beam, who was tragically shot and killed last November while teaching at Laney College, where he spent the last 20 years of his career. The emotional celebration of life drew more than 1,000 mourners, including former players, colleagues, and friends, all united by their love for the man they describe as a larger-than-life character.
For many, Beam was a hero - not just because of his coaching prowess but also for the impact he had on countless lives. Kevin Parker, a Skyline football player who credits Beam with teaching him valuable life lessons, said, "I am who I am today because of you, coach. I'll carry that lesson with me in everything I do." Rejzohn Wright, a former Laney College player and now New Orleans Saints cornerback, recalled how Beam called him the day after his father's passing, telling them not to fail.
Beam's family was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from the community. His sister-in-law, Tish Gallegos, expressed gratitude for messages that have been pouring in since his passing. "The amount of support we have received is overwhelming," she said. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee described Beam as someone who "showed up" everywhere - not just on the football field but also in his students' lives.
Beam's legacy extends far beyond his coaching career, and many remember him for his humility and generosity. His friends from San Diego's Kearney High School class of '77 shared stories of how he would often wear leisure suits with white socks to school. "John was trying to be a ladies' man," said Walt Rashad with a chuckle.
As the community comes together to celebrate Beam's life, his family is taking comfort in the love and memories that have been shared about him. "We didn't lose a coach," said Mayor Lee. "We lost our coach, bigger than life."
For many, Beam was a hero - not just because of his coaching prowess but also for the impact he had on countless lives. Kevin Parker, a Skyline football player who credits Beam with teaching him valuable life lessons, said, "I am who I am today because of you, coach. I'll carry that lesson with me in everything I do." Rejzohn Wright, a former Laney College player and now New Orleans Saints cornerback, recalled how Beam called him the day after his father's passing, telling them not to fail.
Beam's family was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from the community. His sister-in-law, Tish Gallegos, expressed gratitude for messages that have been pouring in since his passing. "The amount of support we have received is overwhelming," she said. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee described Beam as someone who "showed up" everywhere - not just on the football field but also in his students' lives.
Beam's legacy extends far beyond his coaching career, and many remember him for his humility and generosity. His friends from San Diego's Kearney High School class of '77 shared stories of how he would often wear leisure suits with white socks to school. "John was trying to be a ladies' man," said Walt Rashad with a chuckle.
As the community comes together to celebrate Beam's life, his family is taking comfort in the love and memories that have been shared about him. "We didn't lose a coach," said Mayor Lee. "We lost our coach, bigger than life."
. I mean, he wasn't just a football coach, but a mentor, a friend, and a guiding light for many people's lives. His humility & generosity are an inspiration - who else would wear leisure suits with white socks to school 
? It warms my heart to see so many people coming together to celebrate his life, sharing stories & memories of the impact he had on their lives. As Mayor Lee said, it wasn't just a coach we lost, but someone who showed up in everyone's life in a big way 
. It's amazing to see how one person can leave such a lasting legacy 
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- he had a way with people. I mean, who else can make you feel seen and loved by someone from their past? It's like he left a mark that goes beyond the field. All these stories about his kindness and generosity are giving me chills 
... he was definitely one of those people who showed up for everyone around him. And to see how many lives he touched, it's just... wow 
think it's fishy how they're celebrating this guy's life with such a big gathering... seems like more than just a farewell to a great coach 
. the way mayor Lee said "we lost our coach, bigger than life" sounds kinda cryptic to me... like there's more to it than meets the eye 
. also, what's up with all these people from different parts of his life showing up? doesn't feel like just a coincidence 
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. The way he connected with players like Kevin Parker and Rejzohn Wright on a personal level speaks volumes about his character 
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But for real, it's beautiful to see how many people were touched by his life. The love and support from the community is palpable 
? but seriously, its beautiful to see the community come together like this to celebrate his life... Beam may be gone, but his legacy lives on 
my heart goes out to John Beam's family & friends... what a tragic loss 
he was an amazing coach but more importantly he touched so many lives as a teacher & mentor 
those stories about him wearing leisure suits with white socks 
beam may be gone but his memory will live on forever 
1k people gathered to celebrate his life & it's clear he made an impact on way more lives than just football field 
he was all about those life lessons & showing up for his students, that's real love 
. He cared about people's well-being, and that's something we can all learn from 
it's amazing how one person can leave such a huge impact on so many lives john beam was more than just a football coach, he was a mentor, a friend and a role model to so many people. his humility and generosity are qualities that we should all strive for 
can't help but think about how different our world would be if more people had the heart and kindness of john beam 
It's amazing to see how he made an impact on so many lives, from teaching valuable lessons to being there for people in need, like Rejzohn Wright when his dad passed away. 
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. On the other hand, I feel bad for his family and friends who are trying to deal with this loss 
I guess that's just the paradox of life – you never know what you're gonna get