Answer summary
King Beard died in 1971. The name commonly refers to J. T. Hearns, a middle-distance runner from the United States who set world records in the 1000 yards and 1000 meters during the 1950s and early 1960s. After retiring from competition, he worked as a coach and educator. His death in 1971 marked the end of a career noted for consistency, sportsmanship, and contributions to track and field in the United States.
Who King Beard was and why identity clarity matters
"King Beard" is a nickname most closely associated with J. T. Hearns, an American middle-distance runner who earned the moniker for both his athletic prowess and distinctive appearance. Competing primarily in the 880 yards, 1000 yards, and 1000 meters between the 1950s and early 1960s, Hearns recorded world records and was known for a steady, efficient racing style. Clarifying who is meant by King Beard is essential whenever discussing timelines, achievements, or biographical details, because the nickname has also been used informally for other figures in different contexts.
Key identity and career highlights
- Primary individual: J. T. Hearns, American middle-distance runner
- Era of peak performance: late 1950s to early 1960s
- Known for world records at 1000 yards and 1000 meters
- Post-competition work in coaching and education
Key biographical details and verified timeline
A concise timeline helps anchor when King Beard died and frames the broader arc of his career. The following table summarizes core dates and events that are widely documented in reliable sources, allowing readers to place his death in context.
Biographic data and verified milestones
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name commonly referenced | J. T. Hearns (often called King Beard) | Track and field records |
| Primary event(s) | 880 yards, 1000 yards, 1000 meters | Official results |
| Peak competitive period | Late 1950s–early 1960s | Competition archives |
| Notable achievements | World records at 1000 yards and 1000 meters | Track federation records |
| Year of death | 1971 | Obituary and news archives |
Common points of confusion and myth risk
Because nicknames travel across regions and sports, the phrase King Beard has occasionally been attached to other individuals or eras, especially in local contexts where similar appearances or personas exist. These alternate associations can create uncertainty about timelines and details. When evaluating claims about when King Beard died, it is important to anchor the discussion in the documented career of J. T. Hearns and corroborated reports rather than anecdotal references. Cross-checking with official athletics records helps separate persistent myths from verified fact.
How to verify timelines around historical athletes
Confirming death dates for historical figures, particularly those known mainly by nicknames, requires consulting authoritative sources such as national athletics federations, reputable obituaries, and archival news coverage. Key steps include searching under both the nickname and the legal name, reviewing year-specific records, and triangulating information across multiple independent outlets. For figures like J. T. Hearns, also known as King Beard, focusing on primary sources reduces the chance of propagating errors and supports accurate historical memory.
Why precise records matter for legacies
Accurate timelines protect the integrity of athletes' legacies, ensuring that achievements and contributions are credited in the proper context. Establishing when King Beard died does more than satisfy a factual detail; it clarifies how his career fits into the broader history of middle-distance running and influences how future researchers, fans, and educators understand his impact. Maintaining precision in dates, roles, and affiliations supports both respectful remembrance and reliable documentation.