Business Magnate, Folk Hero. James Beam turned the family bourbon business into an american industry. Under Jim, the business thrived despite prohibition. Jim left the distilling business to grow citrus in Florida, among other things. When prohibition ended in 1934 Jim was ready to fire up the still. He built and moved to a new distillery near his home which is the current location. From this point forward, the bourbon was called “Jim Beam.” (bio by: Anonymous)  Family links:  Parents:  David M. Beam (1833 – 1913)  Margaret Ellen Phillips Beam (1843 – 1887)  Spouse:  Mary Catherine Montgomery Beam (1876 – 1962)*  Children:  Thomas Jeremiah Beam (1899 – 1977)*  Mildred Beam Spalding (1901 – 1983)*  Margaret Thompson Beam Noe (1904 – 1994)*  Siblings:  James Beauregard Beam (1864 – 1947)  Sue Eva Beam (1874 – 1875)*  Elsie Mayte Beam Wallen (1879 – 1915)* *Calculated relationship