James W Bender

On Thursday, June 22, 2023, James W. Bender passed away peacefully at home at the age of 90. He was the loving father of Jim, John, Cheryl, and Terry. Loving grandfather of Matthew, Brandon, Caila, Colin, Brian, and Rachel and 7 great grandchildren. Loving brother of Bob, Jeanette, and Chuck. Jim earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from William Jewel College in Independence, Missouri and spent the next 45 years in the Chicago area in the motor oil refining business staying in touch with many friends he made in the industry. He enjoyed learning the stories of everyone who crossed his path. He loved his retirement life in Florida over the last 20 years and the dear friends he had there. He loved God, the church, choir music, and was steadfast in his hope that he would spend eternity with his Lord and Savoir, Jesus Christ. Thirty years ago, he boasted he wanted “Never owned a cell phone” on his tombstone which any of his acquaintances would find amusing now as he was surrounded by his many computers, cell phones, kindles, and TV remote controls and was always thrilled to recommend a great new phone app and even help connect them to the internet. He was a patriot who loved his country, and an avid baseball fan of the Cubs, and Rays, and a passionate golfer. The only thing he may have enjoyed more was driving, especially his many road trips to California to visit his daughter, Terry, and granddaughter, Rachel, and to view along the way the many natural wonders of this country that he loved so much. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.