James Thomas Bender

May 6, 1956 - August 5, 2019

James Thomas Bender was born May 6, 1956 in Des Moines, Iowa the son of Robert Lawrence Bender and Alvina Marie (Hicks) Bender. Jim was raised in Swan until the age of 6 when his family moved to West Plains, Missouri. Jim enjoyed his time in West Plains, playing in the woods and creeks. As a teenager, Jim’s family returned to Iowa. Jim spent his adult life as a mechanic, mostly working on semis. He worked many years for Truck Equipment, Inc. In his spare time Jim enjoyed fixing things around his home, intricate wood carving and bird watching. He was very musically talented; he played drums in his family’s band and taught himself to play guitar. Jim passed away on Monday, August 5, 2019 at the Circle of Life Hospice Legacy Lodge in Chariton, Iowa at the age of 63 years. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gary Dean Bender. Those left to mourn Jim’s passing include his loving wife, who was the love of his life, Christine; children: Stephanie Wild (Bobby) and Lacey (Mike) Marsh, grandchildren: Merrick James and Layna Jane Marsh and Trenton and Ryker Wild; siblings: Ruby Chapman of McAlpin, Florida; Lillie Mae (Ronnie) Benefiel of Norwalk, Norma Mock of West Plains, Missouri, Robert E. “Sonny” (Phyllis) Bender of Lowell, Michigan, Jerry (Pandia) Bender of Sandyville, Danny (Mikki) Bender of Knoxville, Junella Bender of Rockaway Beach, Missouri, David (Lori) Bender of Pleasantville and Mark (Jackie “Jake”) Bender of Swan and many other family members and friends. For those desiring, memorials may be made to the family.