James Allen Beheler

James Allen Beheler, affectionately known as Jim, passed away peacefully at his home in Lincoln Park, Michigan. He was born on February 8, 1948, in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of the late Richard Beheler, Sr. and Bernadean (Hickman) Beheler Kelly.

Jim grew up in the Kokomo area and was the fifth of six children. A 1967 graduate of Sharpsville Prairie High School, he was remembered as his class clown—an honor he carried with him throughout his life. Later that same year, Jim volunteered for the United States Army, hoping to avoid being drafted into combat in Vietnam. He trained as a Military Police officer and was stationed along the West and East German border, where he supported intelligence services. His time in Germany would shape his life in lasting ways.

It was there, at a village dance in Gartow in 1969, that Jim met Heide Emma Pinkes. After returning to the United States, Heide followed, and the two were married in 1971. At the time of his passing, Jim and Heide were blessed to have shared 54 years of marriage.

Jim was a skilled instrumentation engineer who worked in the steel industry for many years. He spent 19 years with U.S. Steel before founding his own consultation business and later worked at the Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club. Known as a jack-of-all-trades, Jim specialized in electronics and computers and generously shared his knowledge with others.

In addition to his career, Jim volunteered as an instructor with Junior Achievement in the early 1980s and achieved a personal milestone in October 1999 when he ran the Detroit-Windsor International Marathon, proudly finishing in under four hours.

Jim's hands were rarely idle. He loved working in the garage, woodworking, and repairing cars. Music was also an important part of his life—he sang, played the guitar, and nurtured a love of science, creativity, and learning in his family. In later years, Jim became an accomplished writer, recording stories of both fiction and non-fiction, including memories of life with Heide. He enjoyed camaraderie in his creative writing group led by Steve Colwell through Southgate Adult Continuing Education.

He also gained a reputation as a skilled baker, known especially for his apple pie and roasted cinnamon almonds, both made from scratch. His enthusiasm for space exploration led him to be a devoted supporter of NASA's missions.

True to his high school title, Jim was always ready with a joke, a smile, or a funny story. His warmth and humor drew people to him, and he was known for being compassionate and generous to both friends and strangers. Though he enjoyed many things in life—comedy, science fiction, woodworking, and baking—his greatest joy came from his grandchildren.

Jim created cherished memories by traveling the U.S. with his family, panning for gold in Colorado, digging for diamonds in Arkansas, finishing his marathon by crossing home plate at Tiger Stadium, and, most importantly, holding and loving his grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Heide; his daughters Stephanie (Michael) Kenney and Andrea (the late Tony) Barragan; and his five grandchildren, Illeana Barragan, Dellia Barragan, Corinne Kenney, Elke Kenney, and Kristoff Barragan.

He is survived by his brother Richard Beheler Jr. (the late Linda). He is also survived by his dear friends Ted & Betty Martinez, Bob Lawrence, and Tom Piazza, along with many army comrades he kept in touch with through reunions and online communities. Jim was preceded in death by his sisters Joyce Haworth, Peggy Cole, and Betty Tyler (Charles); his brother Donald Beheler and many other loved ones.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025,  10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. with a service to follow.

Funeral Service with Military Honors will begin at 1:30 p.m.