Jim Bender Sr.

Jim Bender Sr., age 80, of Newport, formerly of New Castle, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

A native to Wilmington, Jim worked as a Master Electrician for Pettinaro for over 40 years. He was a member of St. James Episcopal Church and served on the Vestry.

Jim was an avid bowler and played on a golf league at Del Castle. He enjoyed playing the slot machines and loved to cruise, especially loved his trip to Turkey. Jim loved his family very much and will be dearly missed.

Jim is preceded in death by his first wife, Peggy, who passed in 1998; and many other family members including his three brothers and two sisters.

Jim is survived by his wife, Andi; his children, Jim Bender Jr., Dennis "Rusty" Bender, Tricia Bayles (Ricky), Josh Graber (Jana) and Jill McCormick (Mike); grandchildren, Tyler, Shane, Cody, Jake, Seth, Mallory, Alyssa, Samantha and Autumn; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at St. James Episcopal Church, 2 S Augustine Street Newport, DE 19804 where visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. 

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Williams Syndrome Association (WSA), https://www.williams-syndrome.org/