He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Phyllis; daughter, Karen (John) Brossia; grandchildren Josh (Libbe), Kurt (Danielle), and Kyle; along with three great-grandchildren. Jim was the seventh of 11 children born to the close-knit family of Ruth and Bert Bender. He was preceded in death by siblings Ruth, Dick, Mary Ann, Phyllis, Betty and Carol. Surviving siblings are: Ken (Marie), Art (Jennifer), Claudie and Rollie. He is also survived by many dear friends and relatives. Jim was an ironworker and retired from Local 55 in 1991.
Jim’s burial will be private. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday February 2, 2013. It will be held at First St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 1121 Grasser Street, Oregon, Ohio where Jim and Phyllis were active members for many years. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the church.