James Behal
October 8 1927 - January 29 2022
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Obituary
James A. Behal, born October 8, 1927, in Broadview Heights, Ohio, passed away from natural causes on January 29, 2022, at the age of 94. He is survived by his devoted wife, Teresa (Campagna) Behal; his sons Robert (Carla Dilley) and John (Jim Elliott); his brothers Joseph and Paul and sister Rose Beck and their families; his Columbus nephew Dino (Lisa) Dixon and their family; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins in the Cleveland area, Florida, Tennessee, Austria and Italy. He was predeceased by his parents Charles and Josephine (Cerny) Behal; his first wife, Bruna (Tribolati) Behal; and, brothers Robert and Edward. Jim grew up and worked on his family's dairy farm in Cuyahoga County Ohio. He attended North Royalton High School and then Fenn College, until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1946 where he served mostly in Europe, post-World War II. Upon his discharge, Jim attended, with the help of the GI Bill, The Ohio State University (along with his brother Joe), where he obtained a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Jim worked for many years as a design engineer in thermodynamics at North American Aviation/Rockwell and ended his career with General Electric's Aviation Division. He was an emeritus member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. While in college, Jim met and married Bruna Tribolati, who had recently arrived in Ohio from her native Italy, and with whom he raised their two sons and spent 33 fun and eventful years together. While raising his family, Jim was an active parishioner of Holy Name Catholic Church in Columbus, where he took leadership roles and was the long-time Boy Scout Troop leader. He later became a very involved member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church where he was in the choir and on church council. After Bruna's death, he married Teresa Campagna, a lifelong member of St. John's, where they met. Jim and Teresa loved to garden, travel and play golf during their 35 years of marriage. Teresa was a loving caretaker for Jim as his health began to decline. For many years Jim was instrumental in organizing, planning, staging (and volunteering even into his mid-80s) for the Columbus Italian Festival, and served as its General Chairman in 1998 (the first and only non-Italian to so serve). He was a member (treasurer) of the Amici D'Oro. Although he was of pure Czech descent, he became an "adopted Italian" after being married to two lovely, Italian ladies! He was a life-long learner, always studying and acquiring knowledge of horticulture, nature, history, science, airplane design, engineering and a multitude of other subjects. He even ventured into winemaking and beekeeping, and loved woodworking and his many tools. Jim Behal will be remembered as a hardworking, intelligent, ethical, humble and pleasant gentleman. The family would like to thank Patsy Jones for her special care (and occasional field trips!!), as well as the staffers at The Forum at Knightsbridge for their watchful support of Jim over the last six years. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 720 Hamlet St., Columbus 43215; Special Olympics Ohio, 3303 Winchester Pike, Columbus 43232; or, a charity of your choice. Due to Covid, a private Mass for family will be held. Condolences may be sent to www.johnquint.com.
Condolences for James Behal
From : I would like to offer my sincere condolences in
To : Bob and family
Date: February 1st 2022
From : Glasstetter’s
To : The Family
Date: February 1st 2022
We offer are condolences on the passing of Jim. He will be welcomed with open arms and love in heaven. Bless you all. Jeff, Eydie, Kathy and Eric.
From : Lou Tiberi
To : Bob and Family
Date: February 2nd 2022
I would like to send my deep sympathy for your great loss
From : Douglas Noble
To : Bob and Carla
Date: February 2nd 2022
Sorry to hear of your fathers passing
From : Sam Shamansky
To : John and Bob
Date: February 2nd 2022
So sorry to read of your dad's passing.
From : Theresa A. Holleran
To : Bob & John
Date: February 2nd 2022
Sorry. Prayers for both of you and your families. Peace. Great memories of Holy Name and the role that your parents had in the function of the parish.
From : Ron Melchiorre
To : Bob
Date: February 3rd 2022
Bob,
Sorry for your loss, my prayers and thoughts to you and your family…..
From : Fr.William DeVille
To : Bob and John
Date: February 3rd 2022
Please accept my sympathy on the passing of your father.I will offer Mass for him one day next week.
From : Jon Sanese
To : Bob
Date: February 3rd 2022
I offer my condolences for the loss of your Father. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
From : Brian Kinzelman
To : Bob and John
Date: February 4th 2022
Bob & John:
You two have my and Patty's deepest sympathies at the passing of your Dad. A life well-lived.
From : Michaelene & Armand Houze
To : Bob & Carla
Date: February 5th 2022
You will always cherish Bob & Carla, recalling all those fond & pleasant memories of dad; he clearly lived a full & complete life, a life of loving dedication & successes in all the best facets of living: family, community & spirituality
From : Gary and Pam Ferrell
To : Behal Family
Date: February 6th 2022
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing.
Always a friendly neighbor and Gary enjoyed working with Jim at his campus rentals.
Prayers to the Family
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Gary and Pam Ferrell
From : Sr. Evelyn Flowers CSA
To : Teresa and all the Behal family.
Date: February 6th 2022
My sincere sympathy and prayers for Jim’s wife Teresa and all the Behal family. Sr. Evelyn Flowers CSA.
From : Jack Fasold
To : Behal Family
Date: February 6th 2022
I worked with Jim at North American Rockwell. Jim and I were on the same golf team for years. In my opinion, Jim was a class act.
From : Gilda Savko
To : James Family
Date: February 6th 2022
My Condolence to the family of James. I remember him singing in the choir at Saint John. He was such a nice man.