James Edward Behr
January 25, 1938-March 22, 2017

James Edward Behr, 79 of Downing, Missouri passed away at the Scotland County Hospital in Memphis, Missouri on Wednesday, March 22, 2017.

The son of Paul John and Lillian Jeanette (Rother) Behr, he was born in Joliet, Illinois on January 25, 1938. On May 15, 1993 at the Showme Lake in Memphis, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Suzanne E. Fullmer.

Survivors include his wife, Suzanne E. Behr of Downing, Missouri; his children, James Edward Behr, Junior of North Aurora, Illinois, Sheryl Rene' Baker and husband, Gary of Lancaster, Missouri and Paul Edwin Behr of Aurora, Illinois; one step daughter, Jodi Drane and husband, Michael of Phoenix, Arizona; six grandchildren; five step grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; one half sister, Rosemary Erman of Coal City, Illinois and other family members.

James is preceded in death by his parents; one step daughter, Kelly Sue Schilb; one sister, Jeanette Swiggert and one half brother-in-law, Fred Erman.

James worked for Caterpillar as a furnace operator as he made parts for their tractors. He was a member of the United Auto Workers Union Local 145 and was also a lifetime member of the American Motorcycle Association.

When James was younger, he restored vehicles and motorcycles. His hobbies also included hunting, fishing, camping and enjoying the outdoors. He especially enjoyed the time he was able to spend with his family and always had a great entertaining story!
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A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 24, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. at the Norman Funeral Home in Lancaster, Missouri with Sonny Smyser, Pastor of the Schuyler County Church of Faith officiating. Memorials have been established for the family. Burial will be at a later date as the body has been cremated. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by logging on to normanfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Norman Funeral Home of Lancaster, Missouri.