James Greeley

James Leon Bender/Greeley, 66 passed away Friday, November 27, 2020 at the Faulkton Senior Living, Faulkton, SD.  

A family service will be held Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at noon at Big Coulee Cemetery, Peever, SD with Gerald Heminger Jr. presiding. 

James Leon Bender/Greeley was born December 9, 1953 to Ramona (Greeley) Bender and Pete Bender Sr. He grew up in the Wilmot, SD area, where he attended Wilmot School. While attending school, James played basketball when their team when to state in 1969, winning the State A Tournament.  

James enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and nature, in his early days James was a trapper of small animals and used his money to supplement the family. He also worked for Archer Daniels Midland and drove semi hauling flax straw. He went to trade school in Bismarck, ND and earned a mechanic’s certificate. He enjoyed working on vehicles. In 1970 James married Victoria Redwing, together they had one son, Robert Bender (Deceased). James was a member of the Ascension Presbyterian Church of Big Coulee.  

James is survived by a grandson, Kenneth Bender of Sioux Falls; sisters: Edna Bender, Flandreau and Fena (Richard) Redwing, Summit; brother, Thomas Bender, Minneapolis; and his good friends: Harvey and Phyllis Quinn, Peever and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by both parents, son Robert Bender, and one brother, Pete Bender and Grandparents, Lucy and Silas Greeley.   

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with James’ arrangements.