1934
James
2014
James G "Jim" Behn
January 3, 1934 — December 27, 2014
James G. "Jim" Behn, 80, of Orion, died Saturday, December 27, 2014, at UnityPoint Health- Trinity, Rock Island.
Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 3, 2015, at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 220 E 22nd Avenue, Coal Valley, IL. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 2:30 p.m. Friday, January 2, 2015, at Kirk, Huggins & Esterdahl Funeral Home, 1301 4th Street, Orion, IL. Burial will be at Beulah Cemetery. Memorials may be made to New Kingdom Trail Riders, St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, or to a charity of your choice
Jim was born on January 3, 1934, in Galva, IL, the son of Harry and Grace Tomlinson Behn. He married Margaret Mary Verhulst at St. Joseph Church in Rock Island on February 11, 1956.
Jim was employed as an experimental mechanic for John Deere Planter Works for 30 years, retiring on January 12, 1983. Following his retirement, he became the owner of J+J Lawn Services and worked for Blackhawk Freight. He also assisted with township maintenance.
Jim was a member of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Coal Valley. He was on the Beulah Cemetery Board and active with the Rock Island County Soil and Water Conservation. He was also known as the neighborhood goodwill ambassador.
After the loss of his hearing, his buggy barn became his sanctuary for his woodworking and buggy restoration projects. Jim loved buggy riding, horseback riding, and travel. He had a passion for collecting all things old and unusual. He was a longtime volunteer with New Kingdom Trail Riders.
Survivors include his loving wife, Margaret
Daughters Cheryl Anderson Orion, IL
Lisa (Roger) Benjamin Rock Island, IL
Becky McManus Taylor Ridge, IL
Diane (Jeroen) VanDeSande Galesburg, IL
Cameon (Brian) Stone Orion, IL
Sons Chris (Doreen) Behn Sherrard, IL
Josh Behn Rock Island, IL
11 grandchildren Nathan, Mike, Scott, Chris, Beau, Joe, Amanda, Justin, Courtney, Lilly, and Easton
3 great grandchildren Leah, Andrew, and Gavin
Sister Gertrude McCullough Milan
Nieces Kay Quigg
Gail Poe
Numerous extended family members and friends
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Online condolences may be left for his family by visiting esterdahl.com.
Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 3, 2015, at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 220 E 22nd Avenue, Coal Valley, IL. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 2:30 p.m. Friday, January 2, 2015, at Kirk, Huggins & Esterdahl Funeral Home, 1301 4th Street, Orion, IL. Burial will be at Beulah Cemetery. Memorials may be made to New Kingdom Trail Riders, St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, or to a charity of your choice
Jim was born on January 3, 1934, in Galva, IL, the son of Harry and Grace Tomlinson Behn. He married Margaret Mary Verhulst at St. Joseph Church in Rock Island on February 11, 1956.
Jim was employed as an experimental mechanic for John Deere Planter Works for 30 years, retiring on January 12, 1983. Following his retirement, he became the owner of J+J Lawn Services and worked for Blackhawk Freight. He also assisted with township maintenance.
Jim was a member of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Coal Valley. He was on the Beulah Cemetery Board and active with the Rock Island County Soil and Water Conservation. He was also known as the neighborhood goodwill ambassador.
After the loss of his hearing, his buggy barn became his sanctuary for his woodworking and buggy restoration projects. Jim loved buggy riding, horseback riding, and travel. He had a passion for collecting all things old and unusual. He was a longtime volunteer with New Kingdom Trail Riders.
Survivors include his loving wife, Margaret
Daughters Cheryl Anderson Orion, IL
Lisa (Roger) Benjamin Rock Island, IL
Becky McManus Taylor Ridge, IL
Diane (Jeroen) VanDeSande Galesburg, IL
Cameon (Brian) Stone Orion, IL
Sons Chris (Doreen) Behn Sherrard, IL
Josh Behn Rock Island, IL
11 grandchildren Nathan, Mike, Scott, Chris, Beau, Joe, Amanda, Justin, Courtney, Lilly, and Easton
3 great grandchildren Leah, Andrew, and Gavin
Sister Gertrude McCullough Milan
Nieces Kay Quigg
Gail Poe
Numerous extended family members and friends
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Online condolences may be left for his family by visiting esterdahl.com.
Visitation Details
Friday, January 2nd, 2015, 3:00pm - 7:00pm, Kirk, Huggins & Esterdahl Funeral Home, Ltd.
Service Details
Saturday, January 3rd, 2015, 10:00am, St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church
Interment Details
Beulah Cemetery
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