Joseph Carroll Behne, Jr. was born September 30, 1927 in Abilene, Texas. Behne does not have a spouse but has three children: David, Daniel, and Julie.

Behne obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University System.

Behne was in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1947, and then from 1950 to 1952.