James F. Bechert

Our beloved, James Fredrick Bechert, 71, of Harwinton, was called home to be with The Lord on April 1, 2025, after many years of battles with health issues. Jim was surrounded by his family as he was freed of all pain and struggles and entered the Kingdom of God. In 1974, Jim married his one true partner in life and love, Deborah Taylor Bechert. They met originally as children at Asbury United Methodist Church in Forestville where their parents became lifelong friends. Jim and Deb were blessed to have found their soulmates. They walked together through all of life's battles and rejoiced in all of life's fun and happy experiences.
Besides his wife, Jim is survived by his mother, Marilyn Deschene Bechert of Burlington. He has 2 daughters. Taylor Leigh Lafferty (Brent) of Harwinton and Kate Emma Bechert (Miguel Garcia) of Bristol. He has 1 grandson, his best "bud", Rhys James Lafferty, 14 and his 2 cherished granddaughters, Savannah Lee Lafferty, 12 & Avery Emma Lafferty, 12, all of Harwinton. He is predeceased by and reunited with his wonderful father, James Rayburn Bechert, Debbie's parents, Spurgeon and Phyllis Taylor, a beautiful niece, a few very special cousins and extended family and many friends. One friend in particular, Dean Bidwell, was deeply missed and loved by Jim. Jim was born in Stamford, CT on January 29, 1954. In addition to his mother, he will be deeply missed by his older sister Sally Bechert Robinson (Amos) of Mansfield, MA, his younger brother, William Francis Bechert (Kim) of Unionville, and his younger sister Amy (Emily) Bechert Majors (David) of Bristol. He will also be missed by his brother in law Dale Taylor (Toni) of Wolcott and sister in law Cindy MacDonald of Leesburg, FL.The majority of Jim's upbringing occurred in Burlington, CT where they had many animals on a small farm, raised St. Bernards, and created lifelong friendships and fun / trouble in the neighborhood. Jim was a 1972 graduate of Lewis S Mills High School where he was a good student, a class clown, and a basketball and trombone player. Jim's father "Pop" started the family business out of their barn and in 1977, Bechert Bros. Mfg. Co. was incorporated in Bristol. "BBros" became a successful and reputable CNC machine shop for over 40 years. Pop, Jimmy, and brother Billy ran the company alongside his mom Marilyn, sister Amy, daughters Taylor & Kate, many "in-laws", nieces, cousins, friends and eventually grandchildren and grand dogs. Jim's relationship with God and his church family at AUMC were strong and important. He was there for them as they were there for him. He taught Disciple class for over 20 years and was a certified Lay Speaker. The people and pastors of this church were loved by him greatly and integral in changing him into the faithful person he was. Jim loved many of life's gifts. In his earlier years, you'd find him with his "bros" riding the roads on his Harley or 1953 Indian Chief motorcycles. He loved mowing his lawn on his John Deere with a Heineken in hand. He'd listen to Rhys play the piano or guitar for hours and was delighted his trombone from 1968 was still being played today. He was a master griller on a Weber. He loved sitting on his deck during a thunderstorm, stained glass, dragonflies, summers in Nantucket or Cape Cod, great music that sounded great when played loud, and his cats and grand dogs. He enjoyed the Boston Red Sox, Celtics, and loved UCONN basketball. He was a teacher of life. He let older kids drive around the backyard in his car, fly over trees and do donuts on go-carts. He'd show you how to give a respectful handshake while looking into the other person's eyes. You could learn how to make a warm fire in his woodstove. We would always find him sitting in his chair at the counter and he'd listen to all your stories, and he would always care, follow up, and offer advice or one of his calming, enveloping hugs. He encouraged us all to be better people. He was known for his smile, knowledge, his voice, and his being very tall. He was proud of his whole family, every in-law, every niece, every nephew, cousin, church friend, and so forth. He was always there, always a trusting voice of reason Jim had a saying. It was mostly used with his immediate family. "Have a sparkling day! "However you knew him, he was the "Sparkle" in the day. For a moment it feels like it dimmed, but he will be the one to add that sparkle back in our days with his love that will never end. So, in his honor, have a beer, read the bible, or both. Remember he loved you and was proud of you, whoever may be reading this. We are in return proud of him and will love him and miss him always. Until we meet again. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the Faith." – 2 Timothy 4:7The family would like to thank the Harwinton EMTs and Paramedics and the ER staff at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington for their compassion in his last hours.
Family and Friends may call from 10:00 am – 11:00 am with a service to follow at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 12th, at the Asbury United Methodist Church, 90 Church Ave in Forestville. In memoriam, please consider donating to the "AUMC, Book of Remembrance". Checks can be written out to "AUMC, Book of Remembrance" and mailed to the church at the address above.
Funk Funeral Home is honored to handle Jim's arrangements.
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