Jamie Beeler is no stranger to facing challenges head-on and coming out on top. 

Raised in Floyds Knobs, Jamie joined the Coast Guard at 18 and served five years on active duty at the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center and Bootcamp in Cape May, NJ. While in Bootcamp herself, she was recruited to be their next PT instructor. Aspiring to be a Rescue Swimmer, she faced a 2½-year wait, so she used that time to train with the Air Station and prepare for “A” school.

Jamie earned a Criminal Justice degree and coached the Cape May swim team while working as the PT instructor, teaching the Guard’s fitness and swim classes. Acting as the ‘Duck’ (rescue victim) during drills, she learned firsthand why only 5% of females make it through Rescue Swimmer training. Despite being a state swimmer, she realized she wasn't physically cut out for the role and chose instead to work with the Navy Chaplains on Base.

 “It truly was the best job. I was there for recruits struggling in Bootcamp, the contact between parents and their recruits, and through the Red Cross for emergencies back home.”  Jamie recalls somber moments at the Chapel when the Twin Towers fell. Almost everyone at the Training Center, including the Chaplains and her then husband, a firefighter, went to Ground Zero to serve.  The Chaplains’ office became a sanctuary for grieving citizens, recruits, and first responders upon their return; Jaime is proud to have helped alongside the Chaplains during that frightening time.

After five years in the Coast Guard, Jamie left for a job at the State Park. The Cape May County Prosecutor’s office took notice and recruited her to become an undercover narcotics officer—a boost toward her goal of becoming a State Park Police Officer. She trained at the NJ State Police Academy and became a County Investigator for the Cape May and Atlantic County Prosecutors' Offices. Surprising herself, Jamie excelled as a sharpshooter, posting the highest score for shooting and earning the nickname “Annie Oakley” at the Academy.

When the need for a female undercover officer arose, Jamie was ready. Despite meaningful work, the stress and intensity prompted her eventual return to the Coast Guard as a Boatswain’s mate and law enforcement. She was stationed at the Small Boat Station in Cape May, serving also as the front gate and training center officer. “I absolutely loved my time in Cape May and was never going to leave,” she recalls. However, on a visit home for Derby, she met someone and changed her mind. After 18 years in Cape May, she secured a post and returned to the Louisville area.

Jamie was stationed at the Boathouse on the Ohio River, later becoming a recruiter before returning to the Boathouse while pregnant. “I only had a few years left in the Coast Guard, but I wanted to be home.” So, she paused her career with no regrets. “I didn’t expect to be a stay-at-home mom for six years, but it was the best time of my life.” Now, she is raising the daughter she always dreamed of having.

Though collectively Jamie has served for 20 years, her time split between state/county and federal positions means her service is recorded separately. With 15 years in the Coast Guard, she plans to eventually return to a federal agency, possibly the FBI, to finish her career.

Until then, Jamie enjoys time with her daughter, Ryan (7), who is creative, full of life, and emotionally strong. Jamie confides, “I wish I had her confidence; that girl owns a room.” Ryan loves painting, makeup, gymnastics, golf, and tennis. This mother-daughter pair is inseparable, enjoying the outdoors, hiking, country music, wearing hats every chance they get, and getting dressed up or going on adventures together. Most of all, they make memories, like an unforgettable trip to Nashville to make hats and sing country songs at the top of their lungs along the way.

For the last 5 years, the duo has called Norton Commons home, embracing the amenities and social activities like swimming at The Grove, dining at Alchemy, riding on the golf cart, and participating in events organized by the Moms Group, with which Jamie is proudly affiliated. You will regularly find them joining in on neighborhood holiday celebrations like the July 4th parade, Trick-or-Treating, and Christmas activities.

Jamie’s love for the NoCo community runs deep as she navigates life, newly single. With Ryan as her priority, Jamie found a sustainable balance by working close to home and tapping into her support network. “I truly don’t know how moms do it all. I couldn’t do it without my mom and all my friends in the neighborhood. That’s why this neighborhood is so important to me.”

However difficult, the duo is thriving and recently welcomed a silver lab puppy, Bodie, to their family; a well-timed gift from a breeder in Texas who knew they were going through a lot, including the loss of their lab, Cash. He saved his favorite puppy for them to ease the heartbreak. Brodie brings constant joy into their home and goes everywhere with his girls.

Jamie’s mom has also been a tremendous support in countless ways. Knowing the strain her daughter and granddaughter had been under, she surprised them with their first-ever trip to Disney. On the advice of friends, Jamie made sure to include the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and VIP dining experiences for Ryan. The two were so moved and grateful that they cried, hugging, while watching the fireworks at the castle. It was magical.

As Jamie regains her footing, happiness abounds. Juggling work, single-parenting, and a social life is becoming easier, and as this new phase of life finds its rhythm, new adventures and experiences await. With Ryan at her center and the support of her tribe, Jamie Beeler is thriving and living her best life, challenges and all.