FROM HIS DAUGHTER, JEANETTE DUNLAP:
To whom it may concern, my father James A Behrends, class of 1952 passed away in Dublin OH age 78, on September 23, 2013. He spoke fondly of attend ing class reunions but always about his love for the band and the wonderful opportunity to play trombone under the direction, on one occasion, Ferde Grofe performing the Grand Canyon Suite. He is survived by his brother Robert (Bob), and his 3 children, Jeanette, James, Amy and 1 grandchild Maggie. and 1 nephew, Greg.
OBITUARY FROM NW INDIANA TIMES, SEPTEMBER 26, 2013:
Dr. James A. Behrends, age 78, passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2013 at Dublin Methodist Hospital. Jim was preceded in death by his parents: Arthur and Ruth Behrends. He is survived by his wife, Lola Ackley Behrends; his children: Jeanette (Tom) Behrends Dunlap, James Robert Behrends, Scott Silen, Amy Behrends, Leslie (Alanna) Key, Charles Key, and Melissa Kyle; grandchildren: Margaret Catherine Dunlap, Montana, Mariah, Caleb, Mason, Samantha, Sarah, and Savannah Key; great-grandchildren: Addie and Harper; brother, Bob (Carol) Behrends; nieces: Lori and Sharon Behrends; nephew, Greg (Cathy) Behrends.
Jim was the inspiring leader of the Central Ohio Soaring Association for many, many years and a member for over 35 years. His dedication, camaraderie, work ethic, and humor built a strength and enthusiasm for the club. He always found a way to guide the club in the right direction and he was loved and appreciated by so many in the aviation world, both inside and outside the club. His way of being with people was legendary as he took personal interest in the lives of the people he met. When he found time to fly in his own glider, he loved to fly aerobatics. As a tow pilot for COSA, Jim made hundreds of flights to help students and club members hone their aviation skills.
His children wrote to their father: To Dad, I wanted to say thank you and much love as you continue your travels. I know as I go through the rest of my days I will continue to see you in expected and unexpected ways. You have colored my life and your paint brush will continue to add color to everything I do and experience. I will miss knowing you are only a phone call away, hearing your voice, seeing your face, hugging you. I hope you know how much I loved you with all of your qualities, good and bad. I know you loved me. You gave me so much. You gave me two sisters that I will treasure the rest of my life. You made me who I am. I love you and will miss you greatly. James Behrends - - Music: Canyon Suite: Grofe - especially Movement III " On the Trail" on You Tube or on Dad's I Touch Poetry: Jabberwocky: L Carroll Dad knew by heart Mending Wall: Frost 13 Clocks: Thurber Hark, Hark The dogs do bark, They bark at those in velvet gowns, They never bark at me.Flight poetry - you pick http://www.skygod.com/ quotes/poetry.html.
Dad loved flying, he always dreamed of flying and from his first Cesna to his first glider, towing or flying acrobatics, it always gave him joy. Dad loved classical music, and loved his time playing great symphonies in high school with his trombone - especially The Grand Canyon Suite. Dad loved his Dad who played the accordion. He tried to learn it, too. Dad loved stereo equipment before it went digital, born from an early job working in a radio station in Chicago. Dad loved poetry - especially poems with humor like Jabberwocky by Lewis Carrol. Dad loved words. He liked using unusual vocabulary and testing people on whether or not they knew the word too. Dad loved the Dark Crystal and films that were mystical and magical. Dad loved coffee and coffee cake. Simple coffee - instant was fine, and something sweet. Dad loved reading periodicals and technical journals and going to seminars. Dad loved the Ohio State Marching Band. Dad loved his Vespa. Dad loved the opportunity to travel and see so many places. Dad loved cars and getting a bargain on them. Dad loved all bargains and shopping for sales on soup and paper towels and delivering them to family or friends in need , a tradition started out by his father. Dad loved hot sauce on ham salad and taco chips, and giving it to dogs to watch what would happen. Dad loved helping people smile. He loved thinking through the biology and chemistry of a patient's problem and then putting his mechanical skills to work to craft a crown or a bridge a cap or a set of dentures. Dad loved jokes. He liked to tell his jokes when patients were in his chair getting their teeth worked on and telling them something funny at just the wrong time, causing an explosion of laughter and debris to spray across the room. Dad loved his office and his team. A team that was together for 40 years. Drill and fill. They made him proud as they are able to go on without him. Still making people smile. Dad loved his friends and family.
Thank you to all of his friends and family who saw him through his dark days and his happy days. Even if he did not always remember to say it, he loved you all and is so grateful and proud to have been your Dad, your brother, your friend, your husband, your boss, your co conspirator, or your copilot. Thank you all. Jeanette
A memorial service will be held Friday, September 27, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 N. High Street, Worthington, OH where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Contributions in James Behrend’s memory may be made to The James Stitching Sisters, 1142 Holton Rd., Grove City, OH 43123. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a favorite memory of James Behrends.
This information was obtained from: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nwitimes/obituary.aspx?pid=167155707.