James William Behling

James William Behling of Mequon, WI passed away October 6th, 2026 at age 85.

He was born in 1941 in Milwaukee, WI to William George Behling and Lauretta Gerlach Behling who raised him in West Milwaukee and West Allis. He graduated from Nathan Hale High School and WSU-Whitewater. Soon after marrying Jeanne Niemann of South Milwaukee and earning a Master's in history from UWM, they moved to Iowa, and they raised their four sons there. He was employed in Iowa initially as a community college instructor and then for 35 years as a Financial Advisor. After Jeanne passed away, he married Mary Lou Speas.

Upon retirement he and Mary Lou returned to Wisconsin to be closer to family. Jim was always interested in closely following the Brewers, Bucks, and Packers. In retirement, his greatest joys were visiting with family and following his teams. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Lauretta Behling, his first wife Jeanne, and second wife, Mary Lou.

He leaves behind four children: Jay of Mequon; Jon (Lynette) of Lakeville, MN; James of Lakewood, CO; and Jeremy (Heather) of Burlington, as well as 5 grandchildren, including Parker and Haley of Lakeville and Rory, Ryleigh, and Reese of Burlington. He also leaves behind two daughters of Mary Lou: Laura (Nick) Meyer of Mequon and Mindy Speas of Mequon and two grandchildren: Belle and Milo.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 17th from 11 AM to 12 PM at the Resurrection Cemetery Chapel, 9400 W Mequon Rd, Mequon. Service to follow at 12 PM. The family will privately lay Jim's cremains to rest with Jeanne and Mary Lou. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) or the Hunger Task Force of WI are appreciated.