James Farrell Bender
February 27th, 1947 - June 2nd, 2023
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James's Obituary
James Farrell Bender, 76, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully on Friday – June 2, 2023 in his home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home – 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI.
James was born February 27, 1947 in St. Joseph, MI to Farrell and Carol (Eggleston) Bender.
He was a star athlete at Saint Joseph Catholic School and earned many accolades. He was loved and admired by all who knew him, and he left many hearts broken. He loved sports and was the quarterback and safety and always posted a winning record and attitude. Being a standout athlete, he received an athletic scholarship for football at Saint Joseph College in Indiana, where he graduated with a degree in Economics.
He had many lifelong friends who loved to watch him play basketball, baseball, football, and track. He especially loved golf. He would play many rounds with High School chums and always played to win. Sometimes he actually did.
He also enjoyed playing cards and other games with friends and family too. A favorite past time of his was completing the New York Times’ Sunday Crossword puzzle in pen. Jim will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. He was also a faithful and active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
James is survived by his sons – Addison (Jessica Wilson) Bender of FL and Ryan (Stephanie) Bender of GA; two grandchildren – August Bender and Charlie Lapkoff; and a brother – Bob Bender of TX. He is preceded in death by his parents Farrell and Carol, daughter – Erinn Bender, brother – Thomas Bender, and a sister – Jane Eads.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 12, 10:00am, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church – 220 Church St., St. Joseph, MI. Interment follows the service at Spring Run Cemetery in St. Joseph, MI. Memorial contributions in James’ name may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
James was born February 27, 1947 in St. Joseph, MI to Farrell and Carol (Eggleston) Bender.
He was a star athlete at Saint Joseph Catholic School and earned many accolades. He was loved and admired by all who knew him, and he left many hearts broken. He loved sports and was the quarterback and safety and always posted a winning record and attitude. Being a standout athlete, he received an athletic scholarship for football at Saint Joseph College in Indiana, where he graduated with a degree in Economics.
He had many lifelong friends who loved to watch him play basketball, baseball, football, and track. He especially loved golf. He would play many rounds with High School chums and always played to win. Sometimes he actually did.
He also enjoyed playing cards and other games with friends and family too. A favorite past time of his was completing the New York Times’ Sunday Crossword puzzle in pen. Jim will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. He was also a faithful and active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
James is survived by his sons – Addison (Jessica Wilson) Bender of FL and Ryan (Stephanie) Bender of GA; two grandchildren – August Bender and Charlie Lapkoff; and a brother – Bob Bender of TX. He is preceded in death by his parents Farrell and Carol, daughter – Erinn Bender, brother – Thomas Bender, and a sister – Jane Eads.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 12, 10:00am, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church – 220 Church St., St. Joseph, MI. Interment follows the service at Spring Run Cemetery in St. Joseph, MI. Memorial contributions in James’ name may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
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