Fr. James Becherer

I served as an altar boy for Father Becherer at St. Francis Xavier Church, Medina, Ohio, and corresponded with him later in life. He was a very good man.

Father Jim did our USAF Academy engagement encounter before my wife and I married at the Chapel. His sage advice to us as a young couple contributed to our successful marriage now over 40 years with four wonderful sons and their spouses. It was a blessing to know him and we still have his cassette tapes to hear his soft, kind voice to listen to. Heaven embraces a good man now and forever.

I adored Fr. Becherer! His homilies were wonderful! I know my mom was thrilled when he arrived in heaven! God bless you Fr. B!

One of the nicest, kindest, compassionate of all priests was Fr.Becherer. Kathy Whalen DeLisio, Mentor,Ohio

In the early 90's, we hosted Fr. Becherer in Portland, OR as a guest speaker for a secular business group called YPO. Fr. Becherer's topic for his talk was The Holy Trinity. The hardest mystery of our faith to explain even to those steeped in the Catholic Faith. I remember that it started poorly with that crowd. Then, as he persisted, his warmth and love (or was it the Holy Spirit ) completely embraced those in that small auditorium. Our family is grateful to have crossed his path briefly. He touched so many - more than even he knew. His torch burns brightly. Yesterday was Holy Trinity Sunday. Thank you Fr. Becherer for sharing your Spirit filled gifts.

Carol Kapteyn
Friend

I worked on Jim's lakefront property on many projects, and we became great friends. "Speedo Jim" I used to call him, and we shared many laughs. Always willing to get involved in construction projects, and the man was non stop. Rest well my friend.

We first met Jim in Ankara,Turkey when he came for a marriage retreat for the military families stationed there. Our paths crossed a few more times and we kept in touch at Christmas. He and my husband, a chaplain in the U. S. Air Force bonded immediately. Jim's faith, love for others and love for life radiated from him in smiles, gestures and loving care. We have treasured our friendship and times together. My husband passed away three years ago. I trust he and Jim have greeted each other once again. Bless be the tie that binds. Amen.

Being a young man attending St. Francis Xavier school Fr Becherer had a great influence on me each day. I became a altar server and had the pleasure of standing with Fr. Becherer side by side serving God. If I had any questions or concerns he was always there for me and this was the most helpful thing that I needed at the time. Thank you Fr. for the time I had with you it was worth every minute of the day.

Father Becherer as one of the kindest priests I knew. Heaven has surely welcomed a beautiful soul! Kathy Whalen DeLisio, Mentor,Ohio

Father Becerer was a fine man who touched many lives. His sermons were just outstanding. May he Rest In Peace.

My mother fondly called him Jimmy. He was not only a close friend to my parents but to our family. Fr. B was a huge influence on me and showed me Gods love and the difference between a priest who is loving and humble and one who almost had me leave the church. But Fr. B brought me back. He was a fun person, a great dancer! And full of life. He will be missed.

Father .....thank you ! Your insight and enthusiasm saved our marriage ! We made 60 years after threat of dissolution!
You da man !!

I had written a few words to send to Father Jim several weeks ago but I shall share them here instead since they did not find there way into the mail in time: I found an internet video of a homily you gave at St. Joseph in Avon Lake almost 10 years ago and it compelled me to write to you. Your homily was your multiple answers to the Lord's question to Peter "Who do you say that I am?" The passion in your voice is indicative of your great love for our Lord. Listening to you talk about how God chose you for your vocation as a priest and the beauty of His promise of eternal happiness is a message so deeply appreciated. You talked about the night before your ordination and our Lord's spoken words to each of us that 'I no longer call you servants, I call you my friends." What a relationship! We add nothing to His greatness yet he wants each of us in His friendship. As our Lord carried are yet to be committed sins to the cross, so to did he carry our yet to be performed good works - which brought Him great comfort - on His way to Calvary, What a beautiful thought that the words you speak today and have spoken over your many years of priestly ministry brought comfort to our Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane and on Calvary. They brought Him comfort over 2,000 years ago because of the great love of which you have spoken them through the years. As I trust in our Blessed Mother Mary to perfect and disperse my prayers as she sees fit, I pray that your soul may possess the comprehension of the Beatific Vision for eternity in accordance with God's graces bestowed upon you in this life. Through God's goodness and grace, He will guide us both in dying well. God bless and thank you for your friendship.

There are simply not enough words to describe this wonderful dedicated man of God.
All who encountered him were blessed indeed.
Rest in the loving arms of Jesus Father Jim!

Father Becherer accepted our invitation to speak to our Preschool PTA Mothers group back in the early 70's at Renwood School in Parma. I still remember so much of the counseling he gave us at that meeting to guide us in our early Christian marriages. After reading his notice, I find myself so blessed to have known him - what I consider to be a true modern saint. God bless you Father Becherer!

"Thank you Father Jim for dedication and Love of our Lord and your friendship in the Catholic and military Community.

Thank your for your life long dedication to the Lord and the military !

Father Becherer married us 31 years ago, and was a great family friend. He will be missed. I send my sympathy to his family.