James Haigler Behling Obituary

James Haigler Behling

Mt. Pleasant - James Haigler Behling, 95, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, entered eternal rest on February 28, 2026.

Born on February 1, 1931, in St. George, he was the son of James Dwight Behling and Felicia Haigler Behling. He was raised in Charleston, South Carolina and attended the High School of Charleston. It was during his high school years that he earned the nickname "Footsie," a name that remained with him throughout his life.

Mr. Behling continued his education at the University of South Carolina and later completed his studies at the University of Wisconsin Banking School, preparing for a career in banking.

He began his professional journey with Citizens and Southern National Bank of South Carolina. Through a series of mergers and decades of dedicated service, he retired as Senior Vice President of Bank of America. His leadership and integrity earned him deep respect within the banking community.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Behling was devoted to civic and community service. He served on the Mount Pleasant Town Council from 1972 to 1979 and was an active member of the Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church. He was a Life Member of the German Friendly Society, an Honorary Life Member of the Hibernian Society, and a Life Member of Pythagorean Lodge No. 21.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara "Bobbie" Smith Behling; his daughter, Jeanne Haigler Behling-Hook of Mount Pleasant, and her son, Jon Dwight Hook of Los Angeles; his son, James Smith Behling and his wife, Shellie, of Lexington, South Carolina; and their three children, James Hunter of Columbia, Tanner Jordan of Charlotte, and Jordan Blake Behling of Charleston.

Friends and relatives of Mr. and Mrs. Behling are invited to attend the memorial service in the Rodenberg Chapel at Franke at Seaside at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026. A reception will follow in the Burges Center at Franke.

A private family burial is to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Franke Chapel Fund, Franke at Seaside, 1500 Franke Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, or to the Hibernian Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 134, Charleston, SC 29401.

Arrangements are by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.

We invite you to share a memory and sign our guest book.