MARYLAND - James (Jim) Alvin Bender, 85, Maryland, passed away Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 at home and is now resting in the arms of his Savior, Jesus.

He was born March 26, 1940 to Ivan and Alice (Layman) Bender in Schenevus.

Jim attended Schenevus Central School where he met and later married his high school sweetheart, Mary Bishop, on Aug. 2, 1958 in Worcester.

Jim worked as a carpenter/roofer for many years before he joined UPS as a delivery driver, where he later retired. He was an expert in all things - always willing to lend a hand, whether building something, fixing what was broken or offering guidance to anyone who needed it.

He built the family home in 1972 where he and his wife lovingly raised their four children. Over the years, fourteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren also came to know the comfort and affection found within those walls - each one reluctant to leave the love that filled his home. His grandchildren affectionately called him "gpa, papa and Grandpa UPS" all of which brought him much joy.

He was always doing something for his kids, riding dirt bikes and snowmobiles, proudly being the best horse show dad, and never complaining about the early mornings or long weekends. In winter, he installed a big light and music for his children to skate on the pond to, turning simple nights into moments they cherished.

Jim was a member of Word of Faith Christian Family Center. He was a devoted member of his church where he formed many lasting and eternal relationships. He cherished his church family and never missed an opportunity to share one of his truly one-of-a-kind hugs.

Jim is survived by his children, David (Jackie) Bender, Tracy Bender (Allen Retallick), Kelly (David) Morris; grandchildren, Jason Thomas (Val Sheldon), James (Julie) Thomas, Sarah Kelly, Liesha Thomas, Hannah Bender, Jachin (Sarah) Bender, Samuel and Ruth Bender, Zoe (Danny) Jerome, Zachary (Bridget) Bender, Kyle Morris, Tyler (Angela) Morris, Mekenzi (Gabriel) Hanus, Elias Morris; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Emily, Nicholas, Elias and Benjamin Thomas, Alyssa Sanderson, Ephraim, Rhema and Kemuel Bender, Jasiah Facey, Prince and Yazmine Martin, Journey Morris, Jack, Maeve and Callan Bender and Isaac Hanus. He leaves behind a group of loyal friends: his coffee club, Doug & Bev Barnett, Paul Smith, Marge French and Gene Weinert; his Friday spaghetti and checkers buddy, Mark Bergeron, all whom supported him until the end. He is also survived by a brother, John Bender, a special niece, Sue Haron and other nieces and nephews.

The Bender family patriarch was predeceased by his parents; in-laws, Arthur and Grace Bishop; wife, Mary and eldest daughter, Robin Thomas.

A celebration of life will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2026 at the family home, 648 County Highway 42, Maryland, NY. Friends are invited to stop by for a bite to eat and share a memory with family. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Schenevus Cemetery Association, PO Box 132, Schenevus, NY 12155 or Helios Care, 297 River St. Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820. 

Jim's family has entrusted his care to Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main St., Worcester. Online condolences may be made at www.hellerskinnerfh.com