James Bender

James F. Bender, 80, of Bucyrus died Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at his residence which was situated on the farm that was owned by his beloved parents, The Honorable, Oliver K and Helen G. Bender. He was born in Bucyrus on August 4, 1934. James cherished his time with his parents and the farm land that he lived nearly his entire life upon.

Jim graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1952. He worked with his father on the farm, on real estate rehabs, and at several employers until he was hired at Timken Roller Bearing. He was employed at Timken for over 33 years. While at Timken, he completed an Undergraduate Degree in Education at The Ohio State University in 1986. After graduation, he was a caseworker for Crawford County Children Services, case manager for Community Counseling, and retired as an Investigator for the Crawford County Common Pleas Court, Domestic Relations Division in 2003. Jim was a member of the Air National Guard and the Army Reserve in the 1960's.

Jim was a member of the local Elks, American Legion, and Moose. He loved to play Euchre through his years of membership at these entities. Also, he was a member of the United States Golf Association, the Crawford County Golf Association, and the PGA Partners. He was Vice-President of the Crawford County Golf Association that put on an annual youth tournament which was played at the golf courses in the county over 3 days. He and his brother, the Honorable John F. Bender, sponsored a scholarship in the name of their father for the winner. He played in a number of golf leagues primarily at Valley Golf Course in Galion. He loved golf, and attended PGA tournaments at venues like Inverness in Toledo, Oakmont in Pittsburgh, Memorial in Columbus, and Firestone in Akron. His greatest highlights in golf was attending The Masters at Augusta National in Georgia, playing in Scotland, and a chance meeting with Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player at Firestone.

Jim is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary Jane Bender (Stover), and his first Wife, Jean A. Kottyan (Bowers). He married Mary on January 10, 1970. He is survived by his 5 greatest accomplishments, his children, four by Jean and one by Mary. HIs children are  Judy Bender of Tiffin, Joy Bender of Bucyrus, Jeffrey (Vickie) Bender of Lancaster, Joan Bender of Caledonia and Jerri Bender of Centerville; eleven grandchildren, Trish Darenberger, Edward (Dina) Weisenauer, Andrew (Katie) Farrow, Nathan Kanney, Jamie (Ron) Wagner, Lisa Kanney, Sarah Francisco, Jonathan (Kylie) Bender, Elizabeth Sappington Olivia K McNamara and C.J. Benner. Also surviving is his brother, The Honorable John F. Bender and his wife, Bobbie of Dublin along with their daughter, Brandie (David) Clark. Jim is preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 1-3 and 5-7 p.m. Sunday, October 19 at Wise Funeral Service where funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday with Pastor Don L. Neumann officiating and burial will follow in Nevada Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Gifts for Yanks or to a charity of the donor’s choice through the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be left in the Memorial Guestbook below.



Visitation:

Sunday, October 19, 2014 1-3 & 5-7 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Service:

Monday, October 20, 2014 11:00 a.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Cemetery:

Nevada Cemetery