John J. Behling, (Coach) 1933-2016 age 83, passed peacefully into the loving arms of Christ his Savior, surrounded by his family, on May 20, 2016, following an extended illness. John was born on April 23, 1933, in New Philadelphia, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Medford Behling; and sister, Betty Joanne Welch. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Betty J. (Bonnette) Behling; brother, Jerry Behling; four daughters: Valerie Shaver, (Greg) of North Canton, Ohio, Kim Fry, (Eric) of New Lexington, Ohio, Christine Costello, (Vincent) of Murray, Ky., and Jennifer Knapp, (Jeremy) of Grove City, Ohio; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. John and Betsy were high school sweethearts and married on May 16, 1955 in Columbus, Ohio. Immediately following their marriage, they moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., where John served in the Army for two years. They traveled extensively throughout the U.S. during their marriage and were rarely apart. John attended Ohio State University, until he joined the Army, and then graduated with degrees from Otterbein and Kent State Universities. He began a teaching career in 1960, and enjoyed a 30 year football-coaching career. After retiring from coaching football, Coach John devoted his coaching skills to the love of Fastpitch Softball. John and Betsy were the owners of the Ohio Pride Fastpitch Academy in Grove City, Ohio, and Coach John also managed a number of travel teams, and assisted with coaching the Otterbein softball team. Coach John especially loved coaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and watching them play. He has helped thousands of young people secure scholarships and inspired many in their careers and life choices. Beyond that, he is deeply loved and respected by his family, and will be greatly missed. Family and friends will gather on Thursday, May 26, 2016, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, SW Chapel, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123, with the Funeral Service on Friday, May 27, 2016, 10 a.m., with Pastor Tom Pauquette officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Columbus, Ohio