1939
James
2008
James Behan
July 19, 1939 — April 13, 2008
James (Jim) Martin Behan of Norcross, MN passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2008 after a long, courageous battle with post-transplant lymphoma. He was 68 years of age.
Jim was born July 19, 1939 to John E. Behan and Bertha (Ray) Behan in Norcross, Minnesota. He was baptized, confirmed, and a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, in Norcross, until its closing in 2003. Jim graduated from Morris High School in 1957 and entered the United States Army in 1958. He spent one and a half years in Germany with the 11th Armored Cavalry, and was honorably discharged in 1959.
In 1960, Jim started his career in the insurance and financial services industry with Mutual of Omaha. He represented several different companies through the years, and assisted many clients through this time. Jim was highly respected in his industry, as well as by colleagues and clients. On March 19, 1966, he was united in marriage to Corlys Sperr at Pepperton Methodist Church in rural Alberta. Following their marriage, the couple made their home in Norcross, where they raised their two children, Scott James and Pamela Jean.
When not working in his business, Jim was in the outdoors. He took great pride through the years in keeping a well groomed yard. He was also responsible for planting thousands of trees at his cabin in South Dakota. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, and peaceful drives at sunset to view wildlife. Conservation was his devotion, and he enjoyed all of God's creation.
Memorials will be used towards a special tree planting at his cabin in South Dakota, that Jim had been planning for this spring, including many flowering crab and apple trees.
Jim is survived by his wife: Corlys Behan of Norcross; one son: Scott (Jodi) Behan of Dell Rapids, SD; one daughter: Pam Behan of Rapid City, SD; one grandson: Jamie Behan of Rapid City, SD; two brothers: Lynn (Darlene) Behan of Baltic, SD and John (Connie) Behan of Arlington, VA; one sister: Dianne Thoraldson of Richfield; special friend and brother-in-law: Vern Tholund of Vista, CA and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; special grandfather: Martin Larsen; sister: Barbara Tholund and nephew: Troy Thoraldson.
Pallbearers for the service are: Sylvan Prothero Jr., Matthew Flannigan, Irving Sperr, Duane Hamele, Harold Anderson and Jerry Bryson. Honorary pallbearers are all who called Jim friend. Cheryl Rempel will serve as organist for the service with Pam Behan, Jim's daughter, providing special music. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangement.
Jim was born July 19, 1939 to John E. Behan and Bertha (Ray) Behan in Norcross, Minnesota. He was baptized, confirmed, and a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, in Norcross, until its closing in 2003. Jim graduated from Morris High School in 1957 and entered the United States Army in 1958. He spent one and a half years in Germany with the 11th Armored Cavalry, and was honorably discharged in 1959.
In 1960, Jim started his career in the insurance and financial services industry with Mutual of Omaha. He represented several different companies through the years, and assisted many clients through this time. Jim was highly respected in his industry, as well as by colleagues and clients. On March 19, 1966, he was united in marriage to Corlys Sperr at Pepperton Methodist Church in rural Alberta. Following their marriage, the couple made their home in Norcross, where they raised their two children, Scott James and Pamela Jean.
When not working in his business, Jim was in the outdoors. He took great pride through the years in keeping a well groomed yard. He was also responsible for planting thousands of trees at his cabin in South Dakota. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, and peaceful drives at sunset to view wildlife. Conservation was his devotion, and he enjoyed all of God's creation.
Memorials will be used towards a special tree planting at his cabin in South Dakota, that Jim had been planning for this spring, including many flowering crab and apple trees.
Jim is survived by his wife: Corlys Behan of Norcross; one son: Scott (Jodi) Behan of Dell Rapids, SD; one daughter: Pam Behan of Rapid City, SD; one grandson: Jamie Behan of Rapid City, SD; two brothers: Lynn (Darlene) Behan of Baltic, SD and John (Connie) Behan of Arlington, VA; one sister: Dianne Thoraldson of Richfield; special friend and brother-in-law: Vern Tholund of Vista, CA and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; special grandfather: Martin Larsen; sister: Barbara Tholund and nephew: Troy Thoraldson.
Pallbearers for the service are: Sylvan Prothero Jr., Matthew Flannigan, Irving Sperr, Duane Hamele, Harold Anderson and Jerry Bryson. Honorary pallbearers are all who called Jim friend. Cheryl Rempel will serve as organist for the service with Pam Behan, Jim's daughter, providing special music. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangement.
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