The Granville community, along with friends and colleagues across the nation, mourns the unexpected passing of Jim Beilstein, a distinguished leader, mentor, and visionary in the fields of supply chain management, chemical engineering, and manufacturing. Most recently serving as Vice President of Global Operations and Supply Chain at Owens Corning, Jim’s life was defined by intellect, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His passing leaves a profound void for all who knew him.
Jim dedicated more than two decades to Owens Corning, bringing over 26 years of experience spanning manufacturing, research and development, and information technology. As Vice President of Advanced Manufacturing, he led groundbreaking initiatives in process innovation, equipment sourcing, capital deployment, and operational strategy. His leadership extended beyond projects, influencing company-wide strategy as a member of the Science and Technology Leadership Council, Operations Leadership Council, and the Corporate Capital Review Committee.
Before returning to Owens Corning in 2017, Jim held senior roles at GE, including Vice President of Brilliant Factory Products and Chief Information Officer for Global Supply Chain at GE Digital. He played a pivotal role in shaping the Brilliant Factory strategy, advancing digital supply chain transformation, and establishing the Detroit Digital Hub as a center of innovation. His work left a lasting mark on manufacturing and technology sectors alike.
Trained as a chemical engineer, Jim earned a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Bachelor of Science from Lehigh University. Beyond his professional achievements, he remained deeply committed to education, serving on advisory boards for both UMass Amherst and Lehigh University, mentoring students and young professionals with the same care and dedication he showed in his career.
Jim was celebrated not only for his professional brilliance but also for his humility, generosity, and mentorship. He inspired countless colleagues, bringing teams together across research, IT, and production, fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence. His guidance shaped careers, sparked inventions, and left a legacy of leadership rooted in respect and integrity.
Outside of work, Jim was a devoted husband, father, and active member of the Granville community. Known for his warmth, humor, and compassion, he enriched every life he touched. Though his absence is deeply felt, Jim Beilstein’s vision, dedication, and spirit will continue to inspire future generations, leaving a lasting imprint on both his family and the professional world.