James Arnold Behr

James Arnold Behr passed away on August 19, 2026, at the age of 91. He was the youngest son of Alex and Anna (Willadsen) Behr.

Born and raised in the city of South Milwaukee, Jim was an avid runner in high school and placed second in the state cross country meet in 1952. He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1952 and attained the rank of Airman First Class prior to his discharge in 1957. He returned to South Milwaukee to work at Bucyrus-Erie, while also serving as a volunteer firefighter for the city of South Milwaukee.

He received full-time status with the fire department on January 1, 1969. Always looking for something to do, he became a fire inspector and received his EMT certification, in time to be able to deliver a baby. Soon after, he became a fire investigator and photographer for the department, developing those photos himself. His knowledge of deep-sea diving earned him the title of dive team coordinator, and his final position at the fire department was shift captain.

Jim loved the Lord and was a longtime attendee of church. He took multiple mission and Bible camp trips, including trips to Argentina and Honduras.

After retirement, he kept busy at a number of different jobs, even building a house for himself and Nancy in the city of Franksville. He later worked at what was then known as Oak Creek Assembly of God for 15 years as a maintenance man. He finally succumbed to dementia and COPD on August 19, 2026, nine days after his 91st birthday.

James is survived by his faithful wife of 57 years, Nancy; children: Judy (Michael) Janda, James Behr Jr., Judy (David) Zimmermann, Dan Gruenewald, Anita (Michael) Brulz, and Jennifer Behr; and brother-in-law David (Christine) Lewandowski.

He was the proud Grampa of 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, as well as an uncle to numerous nieces and nephews and a friend to many.

He was preceded in death by his siblings: Ida Slomski, Beverly Rayeske, Anita Behr, Alex Behr Jr., Maurice Behr, and Donald Behr; his daughter-in-law Sheila, and his sister-in-law Elizabeth (Lawrence) Kallas.

He spent the last 2+ years at Meadowmere in the memory care unit, still “always looking for something to do.” The family would like to say thank you to the staff for their support and tender care.

Visitation will held at Discover Church, 7311 South 13th Street, Oak Creek, Wisconsin 53154 (park on the North side of the building and use door number three please) from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Service at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 4, 2026.

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