Jim Beilstein Granville, Ohio Death and Obituary – The Granville community, along with colleagues and friends worldwide, is mourning the loss of Jim Beilstein, a highly respected leader, mentor, and accomplished professional in the fields of chemical engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain management. Jim, who recently served as Vice President of Global Operations and Supply Chain at Owens Corning, passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a profound legacy of innovation, leadership, and service.
With over 26 years of experience spanning manufacturing, information technology, and research and development, Jim dedicated more than 20 years to Owens Corning. As Vice President of Advanced Manufacturing, he spearheaded global initiatives in manufacturing technology, process innovation, capital engineering, equipment sourcing, and strategic investment deployment. He also chaired the Science and Technology Leadership Council and contributed to both the Operations Leadership Council and the Corporate Capital Review Committee, guiding enterprise strategy and operational performance at the highest levels.
Before rejoining Owens Corning in 2017, Jim held senior leadership roles at GE, including Vice President of Brilliant Factory Products and Chief Information Officer for Global Supply Chain at GE Digital. There, he played a pivotal role in digital supply chain transformation, advanced analytics, and the development of GE’s Brilliant Factory strategy. His leadership extended to the GE Digital Hub in Detroit, helping establish the site as a central hub for digital supply chain operations.
Jim’s career began in research and development at Union Camp Corporation (now International Paper) in Princeton, New Jersey. A chemical engineer by training, he earned a Bachelor of Science from Lehigh University and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His commitment to education endured throughout his life, serving on advisory boards for both institutions, including as Chair of the Chemical Engineering Advisory Board at Lehigh University and as an ex-officio member of UMass Amherst’s Dean’s Advisory Council for Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jim was celebrated for his humility, generosity, and dedication to mentoring colleagues. Known for an approachable leadership style, he connected business leaders with R&D, IT, and manufacturing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. His mentorship influenced countless careers and inspired innovation across multiple industries.
Outside of work, Jim was a devoted husband, father, and active member of the Granville community. He will be remembered for his warmth, sense of humor, and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on both his professional field and personal circles.
Jim Beilstein’s legacy is reflected in the people he mentored, the innovations he championed, and the enduring impact he made across industries and communities. While deeply missed, his vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence will continue to inspire generations to come.