James Behrens

James R. "Jim" Behrens, 63, a lifelong resident of Crystal Lake, passed away on May 8, 2010 at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock following a brief, but courageous battle with cancer. He was born December 27, 1946 in Woodstock to Robert W. and Ruby M. (Legel) Behrens. He was united in marriage June 7, 1980 to Cynthia M. Rudden at Bethany Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake. Jim was a big man with a big heart who touched the lives of many people. He was "Pops" to many who knew him and loved him. Jim worked for Seegers Grain and then Crystal Lake Disposal until 1977. He then worked as a truck driver for Boncosky Transportation becoming Enterprise Transportation from 1977 until November 2006. He retired from Teamsters Local 301 Waukegan, January 2009, following an injury. He joined the Crystal Lake Fire/Rescue Department June 1968 where he was a proud member for over 40 years. The fire department personnel was his "second" family, where he was a friend and mentor to all. Jim was a member of the Crystal Lake Union Cemetery Association Board for the past 15 years. He also was a well-respected man in the Crystal Lake area farming community. After retiring in 2009, he spent his "spare time" farming and hauling grain for and with 3 of his sons. He was proud of all his sons for what they have accomplished, and for the men they have become. His grandchildren were the light in his life. He is survived by his beloved wife, Cindy; loving sons, David, Donald (Kim), Ronald "Rerun" (Michele), Randy and Timothy (Magee) Behrens; cherished grandchildren Nicholas, Jacob, Allison, Paige, Emma, Jared, Shea and Lilly Behrens; his devoted mother, Ruby M. Behrens; dearest brothers Thomas (Jean) and Robert (Elizabeth) Behrens; father-in-law Raymond Rudden; several loving nieces and nephews; former wife Delores (Pfingsten) Pedersen and his best friend Wayne Nordbrock. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Robert W. Behrens, July 7, 1969 and his mother-in-law Barbara Rudden October 14, 2007. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 12, 2010, 3-9pm, at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Avenue (Route 176) Crystal Lake. Visitation will also be held Thursday, May 13, 2010 from 9am until the time of his service at 10am. Interment will follow at Crystal Lake Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the James R. Behrens Firefighter Memorial Scholarship c/o Homestate Bank, 40 Grant St, Crystal Lake, IL. Visit davenportfamily.com, where online condolences can be left for our family. For more information, call 815-459-3411.

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