September 29, 1967 – October 27, 2021
On Wednesday, October 27, 2021, James Robert Bentley, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away at the age of 54.
James was born on September 29, 1967, in Noblesville to Willard and Marilyn (Cook) Bentley. He was child number 10 in a family of 15 children. After graduating from Noblesville High School in 1987, he married his high school sweetheart, Cynthia (Jenkins) Bentley. Together they raised three amazing children, Meredith, Morgan, and Mason, all of Noblesville. Meredith blessed them with two beautiful grandchildren, Melanie and Marshall. They all meant the world to James.
James spent over 25 years as a reserve police officer for the Town of Arcadia, and he could be found on a Friday or Saturday night providing security for Hamilton Heights football and basketball games. James worked for the Carmel Street Department for over 20 years. Prior to his work with the street department, James was a security officer for Riverview Hospital.
He enjoyed spending time with his family more than anything and could always be seen with one of his children in his off time. James never knew a stranger and would provide help or assistance to anyone. He loved weekends in Brown County, fishing, exploring new places, listening to old country music, and being with his dogs. He was always ready for an adventure with his siblings. James had a larger-than-life personality and a contagious smile. His witty, and often a little corny, sense of humor was always sure to bring a laugh. He spent many years helping coordinate and working the annual White River Clean Up project through his work with the City of Carmel. He and his son Mason were always out doing side landscaping and odd jobs.
James is survived by his wife, Cynthia (Jenkins) Bentley; his three children, Meredith, Morgan, and Mason; his two grandchildren, Melanie and Marshall; his siblings, John (Joyce) Bentley, Mike (Jill) Bentley, Pam (Ted) Brown, Willie (Rennie) Bentley, Robin (Tom) Collins, Jason Bentley, Cindy (Buddy) Coverdale, and Thomas (Julie) Bentley; his mother- and father-in-law, Judy Jenkins and Harold Lawson; sisters-in-law, Cheryl (Rick) Yoder and Debbie Hyde; brother-in-law, David Jenkins; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
James was preceded in death by both of his parents and his siblings, Jane Leeper, Katie White, Karen Beason, Jerry Bentley, David Bentley, and Carl Bentley.
Visitation for James will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, November 8, 2021, at Randall & Roberts Funeral Home, 1150 Logan St., Noblesville. Funeral services will be at noon on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at Randall & Roberts with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. A committal service will follow at Crownland Cemetery in Noblesville.
Condolences: randallroberts.com