A public memorial service for legendary football coach John Beam was held in Oakland on Wednesday, an emotional day for the community.
Coach Beam’s family and students gathered for the “Light the Road, Light the Field” walk to honor his legacy. They took the same route he used to take every day from Laney College Tavern to the Eagles football field.
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He was shot and killed last month at Laney College in Oakland.
RELATED: Legendary Oakland coach John Beam dies after Laney College shooting; police say suspect arrested
“He believed in our young people even before they believed in themselves,” Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee said.
“He loved Laney, he loved his students. He loved Oakland. He loved his job. He loved making a difference. He loved advocating for students. He loved us. My kids. All of us,” Laney’s Tania Mitchell said.
Laney College placed 2,000 paper lanterns to light the way to represent what he did for so many people.
To many, Beam was more than just a coach, he was a mentor and a father figure, many said.
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John Beam: Athletes, coaches, teams across Bay Area and beyond remember legendary coach
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 10, 2026.
The man accused of killing Beam is due back in court next week.
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