In Memoriam
Remembering Past CIANJ Chairman James R . Beattie
58 COMMERCE www . commercemagnj . com
By Diane C . Walsh Contributing Editor
Members of the board of directors at the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey saluted their late chairman , James R . Beattie , recalling him as an extremely capable , kind and genuine leader who shepherded the business group into the new millennium .
Beattie , a founding partner of the Beattie Padovano law firm based in Montvale , died this May — on Memorial Day . He was 85 . Beattie served a two-year term as chairman of the CIANJ from 2000 to 2002 . But his affiliation with the statewide business group dates back 40 years into the 1980s .
Terrie O ’ Connor , president / broker of Terrie O ’ Connor Realtors and CIANJ board member , said Beattie was a great mentor in her career . “ He helped me grow my business ,” she said , adding that her old friend eagerly shared his expertise in land development , real estate and his commitment to professionalism .
During difficult financial times and market disruptions , O ’ Connor said Beattie would work closely with his clients , offering them not only legal advice but personal support . “ He was incredibly kind and smart but most of all he cared ,” she said .
Beattie was born in Passaic and raised in Clifton . He received a bachelor ’ s degree in economics from Rutgers University in 1957 . Three years later he obtained his law degree from the University of Notre Dame .
As a young man , Beattie served in the Army National Guard . It was there that he met Ralph Padovano , with whom he shared a law practice for 38 years . Their partnership grew into a highly respected firm of more than 30 attorneys , who recently moved into state-ofthe-art offices located in Montvale ’ s new vibrant mixed-use neighborhood known as North Market . The building is on the site of the old Mercedes-Benz USA campus . The firm ’ s name is etched on the side of the building , establishing it as an anchor in the commercial complex .
Martin W . Kafafian , managing partner at Beattie Padovano , said his late boss was an extremely intelligent individual with great vision . Kafafian said it was remarkable how much time and effort he gave to associations to which he belonged . Along with CIANJ , Beattie was active in many civic groups throughout his lifetime , including the Tri-Boro Ambulance Corps Board of Directors , Park Ridge Rotary , Greater Montvale Business Association , Foundation For Free Enterprise , and the Hackensack Hospital Foundation , to name a few . “ When he put his name on something , he gave it his all ,” Kafafian said .
Kafafian said Beattie brought him into the firm and mentored him . He was such a role model that about a dozen years after Beattie ’ s tenure as chairman , Kafafian also took a turn leading CIANJ as its chairman .
Beattie was described by many as a “ people person .” Kafafian remembered how he would effortlessly strike up a conversation with a stranger , learn all about him or her and recall every detail when they met again .
The late chairman ’ s outgoing nature left its imprint on the association . Bill Hanson , the president of NAI James E . Hanson , who now serves as CIANJ chairman , said Beattie was a “ true gentleman who made you feel welcome ” at events . “ He was always happy to see you and made you feel that you belonged ,” Hanson said .
During Beattie ’ s years as chairman , the association instituted “ retreats ” for the board members to delve into the organization ’ s mission and strategize on how to make it more effective . Another past chairman , Louis Weiss , who is CEO of WFM Project and Construction Inc ., said the retreats fostered CIANJ ’ s growth into a statewide organization that helps business succeed through networking , education and lobbying efforts .
Tracy Straka , executive vice president of Creamer Environmental Inc ., said one of the reasons why she even considered becoming CIANJ chair was because of Beattie ’ s encouragement . “ He was very supportive to board members . He took you under his wing , encouraged you and sought out your advice . He made you feel right at home in the organization ,” said Straka , who became the first woman to be chair about 10 years ago .
“ The whole organization meant a huge amount to him ,” Straka said , adding that “ he was proud , not just of being chairman , but of being a board member .”
James D ’ Agostino , president of JD Companies , who served a stint as chair during the same decade as Beattie , recalled his colleague as a very practical , results-oriented gentleman . “ Any time there was an issue or a problem Jim Beattie always gave good counsel ,” D ’ Agostino said . “ There should be more like him .”