He was born July 5, 1942 in Hummelstown, son of the late Daniel and Grace (Bahner) Behrens.  In addition to his parents and his brother, Jonathan R. D. Behrens, his wife, Norma E. (Shope) Behrens preceded him in death.

Jim graduated from the Milton Hershey School and Temple University and also served in the U.S. Air Force.  He was retired from the PA Department of Revenue, where he worked as a tax officer.  He was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Penbrook, where he was a minister of communion, sang in the choir, served as a Sunday school teacher, served on numerous committees, and was a former member of church council.

A lifelong scouter, Jim served as District Commissioner for the Blue Mountain District of the Keystone Area Council. He was assistant Scout Master for Troop 40, Harrisburg, and was previously involved in leadership of Pack and Troop 38, Penbrook, and Pack 362, Grantville.  Jim was also president of the Keystone Area Lutheran Association of Scouters.  He was a member of Scouts on Stamps Society International, serving on the board of directors from 2001-2006.  He was past president and current treasurer of Chapter 29. Jim was a member of AFSCME Council 13, District Council 90, for which he also served as an officer and union steward.  For a number of years, Jim served as treasurer for the Milton Hershey School Alumni Association.

Surviving are his sons, Eric A.W. Behrens of Wallingford, PA and Andre M.K. Behrens of New York, NY; a brother, Donald A. Behrens of Bradenton, FL; and 2 grandsons, Luke A.P. Behrens and Bryan D.P. Behrens, both of Wallingford, PA.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 8, 2008 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2730 Booser Avenue, Penbrook, PA 17103. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m., Saturday at the church.  Burial will be in the Gravel Hill Cemetery, Palmyra.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his church.

Zimmerman-Auer Funeral Home, Harrisburg, will be handling the arrangements.