Raymond James (Jim) Behm
Baptized into the hope of Christ’s resurrection, Wednesday, August 16, 2017, died at home after an eight year struggle with oral cancer. Loving husband of 48 years to Mary Ann (Gotway) Behm, dearest father of Martin Otto (Jen) Behm, Jennifer Elizabeth (Tim) Baker, and the late Robert Edward Behm. Proud grandfather of Max Otto, James Edward and Madelyn Olivia Behm; Louis James, Arthur Ellington and baby-to-be Baker; and Rowan and Winter Elise Behm. Special brother of Fred (Joann) Behm, Edith (late Richard) Lettner and the late William (late Caroline) Behm. Our brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle, loyal friend and mentor.
Jim received a Classical Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Louis University and MSW degree from University of Denver. His entire professional career was spent in the field of corrections. He served in the United States District Court for 26 years and retired as Chief of Federal Probation and Parole from the Eastern District of Missouri in 2000. Jim enjoyed hiking, handball, foreign travel, gardening, cooking, African violets, classical music, correct English grammar and, most of all, being with his grandchildren. He had a quick wit and his sense of humor was legendary.
Jim donated his body to St. Louis University Medical School. No visitation. Memorial Mass will be on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 2934 Marshall Avenue, Maplewood, MO 63143. Luncheon reception will follow in the school gymnasium. In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to Vincentian Fathers, Congregation of the Mission, 13663 Rider Trail North, Earth City, MO 63045.
Mary Ann, so sorry for your loss. Jim seemed like a very nice and compassionate gentleman. We have missed seeing both of you. May he rest in peace and be joined with your son.
To Mary Ann and family-
We are so sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful person—so talented, funny and devoted to you and his children. May he rest in peace.
Dot and Bob (your former neighbors)
I had lost contact with Jim after staying at their home in Denver in ’73. Jim was a bundle of energy and I’m sorry we had not reconnected. I have very fond memories of going to some party and Jim & I were accused of using false bar names.
I was in seminary long ago with Jim so sorry to hear of his passing he was a leader and had many friends my God bless him and his beloved family and friends. Larry Green Winona mn
I have a fond memory of being welcomed into the Behm home during a visit to spend time with their son Marty. Mr. Behm cooked a special German meal for us, and made me feel very welcome. My thoughts are with all who were part of his life.
First I want to say Jim was one of the nicest, funniest men I had the pleasure to know. In all the years that I seen him as his dental hygienist he always had a way of brightening my day. He was a silent sufferer and never drew attention to his problems even in an environment where it is expected . We had a very close bond and our “little routine” for his care to make his visit to me as pleasurable as it could be under the circumstances. I have since left the office that I was working in and every day I worried about who would see and care for Jim. That no one knew our routine and I knew if someone hurt him or gagged him or anything else he was too nice of a man to say anything about it. So Mary Ann I know you know what a great guy you had and he was a blessing to my life . Since I had the pleasure to treat him from day 1 of his disease. Not only did I learn alot about the care of a patient with oral cancer, but I learned patience and empathy. He will be greatly missed. I just recently heard of his passing. So I want to end with a joke since that is what Jim would appreciate. I know Jim appreciated me as a hygienist and I know he had alot of anxiety about having to see someone else and he would reschedule if I was not in the office. I left my 10 year position on August 18th and I seen Jim once a month. I think Jim was finished with lifes journey when he found out he would have to see someone else for his monthly visits. LOL To a great and caring man, I not only have the honor of calling you my patient but also my friend.Sent with much love . My condolences Mary Ann.