James Bendus

James (Jim) Bendus, age 95, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2025, in Overland Park, Kansas. Jim was born in Johnson City, New York on April 27, 1930, to Michael and Helen Bendus. After graduating from Johnson City High School in 1949, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and proudly served his country for 22+ years, where he worked in radio operations and telecommunications.

In 1953, Jim met and married the love of his life, Betty, in England. Jim and Betty were married for 65 wonderful years and blessed with three daughters, Joanne, Beverly, and Debbie. Jim retired in 1972 while at Richards Gebaur Air Base in Belton, Missouri. After retirement he worked at and co-managed Tropo Lanes on the Base for several years. In late 1979, Jim and Betty moved to Washington state where they spent their next 40+ years in Marysville.

Jim had many interests and hobbies throughout his life. During his youth he was involved in volleyball, swimming, basketball, football, and bowling. He worked setting up pins at the local bowling alley for 50 cents an hour (a story he loved to tell). Jim and Betty bowled in leagues for a big part of their lives. In 1989, Jim bowled that coveted perfect 300-game, which he was so proud of. Fishing became his favorite hobby after retirement. He fished regularly with friends and caught several tournament-winning fish in Puget Sound. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, leather crafting, working on computers, and shopping. Meeting his friends for breakfast every morning was something Jim truly cherished.

Jim was a loving and devoted husband and father who provided a good life for his family. He was an easy-going soul who was quick-witted and had a great sense of humor. He loved to make people laugh, a self-proclaimed ‘jester.’ He was a giver, a helper, and a caretaker, while expecting nothing in return. He was a solid man with a heart of gold. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends, both near and far.

Jim’s family would like to give special thanks to the Assisted Living Nurses and Staff of The Forum at Overland Park for looking after and caring for Jim for the past two years. He loved his home there, and the care, attention and support you provided are beyond words. We also want to give special thanks to the Hospice Nurses and Staff who cared for Jim over the past few months. Your caring and support are greatly appreciated.

Jim is preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty, his parents Michael and Helen, and his five siblings, Robert, George, Arlene (Sisson), Geraldine (Grose), and Michael.

He leaves behind his three daughters, Joanne Wagner (Perry) of Roann, IN, Beverly Eckel of Blue Springs, MO, and Debbie Hunt of Lee’s Summit, MO, grandchildren James Wagner, Chris Wagner (Tiffany), Heather Garrison (Jamy), Kelly Vestal (Chris), Haley Plattner (Brian), Cale Eckel (Melissa), and Taylor Hunt. He also leaves behind ten great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, cherished friends in Marysville, and his beloved schnauzer, Shadow.