James C. Bender, 67, of St. Louis, Missouri, born on July 15, 1959, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Mercy South Hospital. Beloved husband of Brenda S. Bender (née Williams), with whom he shared 46 wonderful years of marriage after they were married on June 14, 1980.
Devoted father of the late Nicole Bender; Chris Bender and his partner, Melissa Douglas; Nick Bender, his late wife, Sarah (née Hegger), and his partner, Kelsey Nolan; and Kayla (Chris) Clegg.
Loving grandfather of Chloe and Tripp Bender, Liam and Ava Bender, and Isla and Tucker Clegg. He treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren and delighted in creating lasting memories with each of them.
Beloved son of the late Elmer and Celeste Marie Bender (née Nankmann). Loving brother of Diane (the late Jack) Graf, the late Kenny Bender, Barb (Mark) Bonk, and Ronnie (Sherri) Bender; dear brother-in-law, uncle, and friend to many.
One of Jim’s greatest joys in life was being “PaPa.” He delighted in spending time with each of the grandchildren. His love, joy, laughter, and unwavering devotion to his family will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him.
Jim also found great happiness by the ocean. Whether vacationing in Mexico or relaxing on the beaches of Florida, he loved the warmth of the sun, the sound of the waves, and spending time with his family. Those trips became treasured memories that reflected his love of laughter, togetherness, and making every moment count.
Jim was an avid sports fan who loved cheering on the St. Louis Blues, the St. Louis Cardinals, and KC Chiefs. Watching games with his children and grandchildren—and attending sporting events together—became some of his favorite family traditions.
In retirement, Jim cherished spending time with his family. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and proudly embraced his role as the family’s “Mr. Fix-It,” never hesitating to tackle a repair project for those he loved. Jim was known for his strong work ethic and willingness to help anyone in need.
Jim will be remembered for his generous heart, quick wit, unwavering faith, and the unconditional love he gave so freely to his family and friends. More than anything, Jim’s legacy is the love he shared with his family, the example he set for his children and grandchildren, and the countless memories he leaves behind.
Jim’s family finds comfort in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ and the assurance that he has been welcomed home into heaven.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to his beloved wife, Brenda, are sincerely appreciated. Please use the following link: https://venmo.com/u/Brenda-Bender-21
Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the service at 11:00 a.m. at Twin Rivers Church, 10575 Tesson Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63123. Services will conclude at the church.
My deepest condolences. Although I never had the opportunity to meet Jim, it is clear from the stories and memories shared that he was truly great and amazing person. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Thank you so much, Yadira. He is in the arms of Jesus now and no longer suffering.
I am very sorry for your loss. May God’s comfort and peace be with you. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
Jim will be missed not only an amazing papa to Chloe and all his grand babies but always made me feel welcomed. I remember his eggs being the only eggs I would eat because I didn’t like them but whatever Jim did to those eggs no others compared. He helped me with a car when I was down and out allowing me to not only make payments but lowering what he asked for it giving me a chance to be able to work and provide for myself. Jim was a kind soul and I will miss him dearly. I’m so sorry to the family sending you all my love and prayers of comfort
Thank you, Amanda. Thank you for the support and prayers and kind words. You are one of the family.
My sincerest condolences, I am so sorry for the loss of Jim. I’ve heard only good stories from those in his family. He is in the prayers of our family. We are all here for you.
Thank you so much, Kaylin for your prayers God has given the family, his peace that surpasses our understanding. Our faith is making us strong through this.
So So for your Loss Nick
Been 🙏 Praying for all of you and your Family Love ❤️ To You In Jesus Name
Terry 🍎 Appleton
Prayed and am Praying 🙏 for All of you and your family ❤️ Love to all of you in Jesus Name Terry Appleton
I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories of Jim last forever. My prayers and thoughts are with you all in this time of sorrow.
Brenda we were praying sometimes when we pray it wasn’t for God’s will he wanted him up with him so he flew up to Jesus
So sorry for your lost it will be five years for dad in August praying for you and your family peace and love to you all
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Know he’s at peace and with his Heavenly Father. Also you and your family have a special Guardian Angel watching over you. 😇 My most heartfelt and deepest sympathies. May his memory be eternal. ✝️🙏😓
Till the age of 10 my grandparents Margie and Leo Miles along with his brother Elmer’s family including Jim would host a big party. These are my favorite memories of Jim, Brenda and my cousins: Grandpa’s bbq, pasta salads, paddle boating with his dad’s boat that ended up bent around a tree after a storm, Chinese checkers on Red’s front porch, slip-n-sliding between the two houses, fishing in the creek down the hill, large black inner tubes we would try to knock each other off of, eating hotdogs in the lake, catching minnows, fireworks on a plywood board in the yard and Grandma’s potato pancakes in the morning. The 4th of July, Sunrise Lake, 1981-1990 are my favorite childhood memories, and Jim was a big part of that time.
Love you all.
Brenda,
I am so sorry for your loss. May God hold you and your family in His loving arms.
Love and prayers,
Brenda,
I am so sorry for your loss.
My sincere condolences to you and your family. I haven’t seen Jim in almost fifty years but I have fond memories of Jim.
Jim was one of the nicest most caring guys I ever had the pleasure to call my friend. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers. May Jim rest in peace.
Kelli (Farrell) Pace
Brenda, I’m sorry for your loss, you’ve been in my prayers. I wish you Christ’s peace in this time of your sorrow.
Condolences to you and your family. You guys will be in my prayers.
Brenda/Kayla, and Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Wishing you and your family comfort and strength during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
Hugs,
Brenda and Kayla;
My heart and prayers go out to the both of you during this time of loss. From what is written, he left behind a legacy of love that will be past on through generations.
Sending prayers and love to the Bender Family. My heart goes out to you for the loss of Jim. Big hugs from me to you.
Brenda,
I am so sorry for the loss of. your husband Jim. I will always cherish the time I got to spend teaching Chloe and Tripp in Sunday School. You are loved. Praying for you and your family. I am sorry I am unable to attend the service but I am in therapy for my broken wrist.
Miss Sharon
Brenda and family,
We are so saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Although we never met, he was always waving to me from the front porch and saying hello as I walked by. Praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Your neighbors,
Natalie & Avery
Brenda and Kayla,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending you much love and strength during this difficult time.
Brenda and Kayla,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God bless and comfort you.
Cindy
Brenda, I am so sorry for this loss. Praying for you and your family as you process this grief, and that the nearness of the Lord would be a balm to your hearts.
Brenda and Kayla, May God hold you both as you find your new normal. There will be so many firsts over the next year without him. Those are hard. It’s okay to not be okay. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
Danielle