James Howard Behling - August 30, 1946 - July 5, 2026
James "Jim" Behling was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Titus Behling, and mother, Rita Clancy Behling.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Pam Finkes Behling; sons Todd Howard Behling (Shana) and Tobin James Behling (Jennifer); grandchildren Brittney Behling Marshall (Corey), Kennedy Behling, and Trinity Behling; and beloved extended family members, Carlos Richard Hernandez and Brian Keith DeRoven.
Jim grew up in San Mateo, California, where he was a Drum Major at San Mateo High School. He was a Vietnam Veteran, serving in the US Navy on the USS Ranger (CVA-61). Jim then moved with his family to College Station, TX, where he attended Texas A&M University (Class of 1972), earning a Graduate Degree in Zoology and Parks & Recreation Management.
While living in College Station, Jim founded Associated Brokers Real Estate Agency and was a founding partner of Texas Commerce Bank and also served as Board Chair of the City of College Station Planning & Zoning Commission. He began his ministry journey by serving on the Board of Directors for Young Life and becoming a youth leader at Frontier Ranch Camp in Buena Vista, CO.
In 1986, the family moved to New Braunfels, TX, where Jim continued his ministry work by joining T Bar M Adventure Camps/Center for Christian Growth as General Manager. He later founded Deer Creek Camp in Medina, TX, and loved being known around camp as "Papa Bear." His primary principle was teaching the "I'm Third" lifestyle-centering on putting God first, others second, and ourselves third. This is a Christlike character quality that cultivates servant leadership and selfless life choices. Jim also served on the Board of Directors for Christian Camping International (CCI) and the Camping Association for Mutual Progress (CAMP), helping to strengthen Christian summer camp ministries across the country.
Jim enjoyed running—completing several 1/2 marathons--along with trout fishing and playing golf. Above all, he cherished spending time in Telluride, CO, where he and Pam spent as much time as possible from 1978 until his passing. There, they were members of Alpine Chapel, a community that was close to their hearts.
Jim "Papa Bear" will be remembered for his generous heart, contagious encouragement, and lifelong commitment to helping others discover their purpose in Jesus Christ. His legacy will live on through his family and the countless lives he touched through love, servant leadership and steadfast faith.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Telluride YoungLife or Alpine Chapel Church's Beacon Program in Telluride, CO, which is an outreach program serving young seasonal workers.
Services will be held from 11 am-2 pm, Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Deer Creek Camp, 494 Elm Creek Rd., Medina, TX.