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Longtime LaGrange resident Jake Behr was everyone’s friend in LaGrange. Behr, the always supportive, local champion for our community was laid to rest this past weekend.   Often, we’d hear from Jake, almost always in support of something we’d written or a photo or story in the newspaper.

It’s obvious many in this community received those daily, weekly or monthly emails or calls, with thanks from Jake about the work they were doing. He was LaGrange’s unofficial cheerleader.  However, in trying to find the right words to describe him, we’re not sure anyone put it better than Laura Jennings, executive director for the LaGrange Art Museum.

“No one will ever be more plugged into anything and everything going on in the community,” Jennings said. “Even when he was homebound, he worked social media, emails and texts like an air traffic controller of encouraging messages, community news, breaking college football news — you name it, he was on it.”   

That’s the truth. Via the ‘Round and ‘Bout publication and his own personal social media page, Behr did his best to keep the community informed. He had the connections to get anyone moving, and the communication skills to get things done.

Jake will be missed in LaGrange. This is a better place for having his guidance, wisdom and spirit of community over the years.