Jim Behne

Jimmie Behne age 85 of Purcell, formerly of Guymon, passed away on May 3, 2025 in Norman. Jimmie Dean Behne was born to Edward Behne and Edna Behne (Hockett) in Guymon on May 16, 1939.

He grew up in Guymon, attended school there, graduating as an All-State Football Player with the Tiger Class of 1958. Jimmie had been offered a full ride scholarship to the University of Colorado, but chose to stay home and care for his father who was in poor health, and help his family through that difficult time. He was a hard worker all his life, beginning with a shoe shine business he ran on Saturdays at the domino hall. He worked in the construction business for his brother for many years, but his true career was at the Fire Department.

He began volunteering for the Guymon Fire Dept in 1962 and retired as Chief in 1990. For nearly thirty years, he served his community as a firefighter and was proud of the difference he made in the lives of others. Retirement wasn’t exciting enough, so he found a job with a sprinkler company and picked up a school bus route. Every morning, he ran the route, and each afternoon he took his coffee break to drop them off back at home again.

Jimmie served on the chain gang at the football field for 52 years, with almost perfect attendance, he even worked the chains on his wedding night when the Tigers made it to district in 1975. He coached Kids Inc. football from 1983-2012, and every year he whipped a rag tag team of misfits into champions and coached the all-star game.

He had a life long love of horses, and even had a well-trained horse as a boy named Peanut who would take him into town, and walk herself back home again. Jimmie rooted for the Dallas Cowboys and Oklahoma Sooners every season, which eventually led to grandkids who weren’t born here on the Oklahoma clay uttering “Sooners Touchdown!” as their first words. Somewhere Jimmie also found the time to serve as a city council member in Guymon for four consecutive terms. Jimmie and Charlotte made Purcell their home about ten years ago and began attending Landmark Church.

He confronted his fear of water and chose to be baptized, and became the oldest person to be Baptized at Landmark. He truly had a servant’s heart, and set a tremendous example of putting the needs of others first, for all those around him. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, Chief, Coach, and servant who will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Jimmie is preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Edna Behne. His siblings Pearl Green, Mary Brune, Louis Behne, Dora Sales, Albert Behne, Robert Behne, and Dorothy Farrington. His children, Jaquetta Hancock, Patsy Behne, Jeffery Behne, and Debra Behne.

He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Charlotte Behne of the home. His children, Monna Behne-Blackmore of Purcell and Aaron Behne and partner Paola of San Diego, CA. His grandchildren Toretta Johnson and husband Truble of Oletha, CO, Nathan Matthews of Lawton, Jimmie Lee Matthews of Lawton, Braxton Winters of Purcell, Sage Behne and fiancé Hunter of Purcell, Tyler Costner wife Taelyn of Puerto Rico, Charlotte B. Behne and fiancé Alex of Miliani, HI, Seth Madrid of Purcell, Colby Behne of San Diego, CA, Sean Behne and wife Jamie of Purcell, and Bryce Behne of San Diego, CA. He also leaves behind one great granddaughter, Bri Ryker Behne Blackmore, Kiri Clark, Atticus Clark, Ace Clark, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and former players.

Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 22nd at Landmark Church in Purcell, OK.

A Second Memorial Service will be in held in Guymon, OK at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 24th at The Guymon Church of the Nazarene.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Jim's name to Kids Inc. Football Program, P.O. Box 744, Guymon, Oklahoma 73942.