James A. Behnke, age 58, a resident of Manitowoc, entered eternal life on Friday, May 12, 2017 at Holy Family Memorial Medical Center, Manitowoc.

Jim was born November 11, 1958 in Manitowoc. He was the son of Carol Farr Behnke and the late Milton Behnke. Jim attended Lincoln High School where he played on the Lincoln Ships basketball team and graduated with the class of 1977. He continued his education at the UW-Eau Claire where he played on the Eau Claire Blugold's college basketball team and graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Jim was employed as the Environmental Health and Safety/Human Resource Manager for 35 years with Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry. On April 30, 1988 he married Kathleen Hollen in Manitowoc. Jim was a player and manager of local softball teams for 25 years, member of local golf leagues, played in many Kenny's softball tournaments and received the MVP one year, and enjoyed spending time with kids coaching and teaching basketball and baseball teams. Jim was inducted into the Manitowoc County Sports Hall of Fame. He was a poker enthusiast and had served as a PGA Volunteer Chairman. Jim also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Shipbuilders Credit Union and President of the American Legion Bowling Association. Jim was all around a good guy.

He is survived by his wife: Kathleen; two sons: Michael and Eric Behnke, both of Manitowoc; his mother: Carol Behnke, Gove City, OH; mother-in-law: Patricia Hollen, Manitowoc; one brother: Robert (Teresa) Behnke, Grove City, OH; four sisters: his twin sister, Jeanne (Kurt) Carbon, Bayside; Cynthia (Gary) Frank, Manitowoc; Jerrilynn Burkart, Manitowoc; Kathy (Rick) Sleckman, Glen Ellyn, IL; two brothers-in-law: Michael (Terri) Hollen, Manitowoc; David (Frank Theobald) Hollen, CA; sister-in-law: Lisa (Dave) Heller, West St. Paul, MN; nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, aunts, uncles, along with other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father: Milton Behnke; and his father-in-law: Stanley Hollen.

Funeral services will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Waldo, 1121 North 14th Street, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Dave Beaudry. Relatives and friends may call at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Waldo on Wednesday from 3 p.m. until the time of services at 7 p.m. Cremation will follow at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel.

In lieu of flowers memorials would be appreciated for a memorial fund being established in Jim's memory. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.