James L. Bench, Sr., 74, of Elkton, MD passed away at his home Thursday, October 9, 2014 surrounded by his family and friends. Born November 26, 1939 in Paw Paw, Virginia, Jim was the son of the late William and Foy Bench. Jim’s love for children stemmed his career as a school bus contractor, toContinue Reading
James L. Bench, Sr., 74, of Elkton, MD passed away at his home Thursday, October 9, 2014 surrounded by his family and friends.
Born November 26, 1939 in Paw Paw, Virginia, Jim was the son of the late William and Foy Bench. Jim’s love for children stemmed his career as a school bus contractor, to which he dedicated more than forty years of service to the Cecil County Public Schools. Jim was a kind and generous man who was a friend to everyone he met and would willfully help those he could. He enjoyed hunting, boating, and motorcycle rides in his free time, but what he cherished most was his time spent with his wonderful family and friends.
Jim is survived by his loving companion and wife of 22 years, Kathleen Kunda-Bench; sons, James L. Bench, Jr and his wife, Jackie and Michael Bench; daughter, Beverly Meadow; six grandchildren; and three brothers, David, Jackie, and Robert Bench.
A memorial service will be held in Jim’s honor at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at Bethel Apostolic Church, 21 N. Earlton, Road, Havre de Grace, MD 21078. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to the Boys and Girls Club of Cecil County and sent in care to the R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A., 259 E. Main St., Elkton, MD 21921.
Beverly Meadow
left a message on April 10, 2025:
I miss you daddy! I miss your hugs and I could really use some now! But I know you're giving me a big hug! Give my mommy a big kiss and hug for me!
Debra Cloud
left a message on November 6, 2014:
Kathy, Jr., Michael and Beverly, I was so dismayed to hear of Jim's passing. John and I were just talking a few weeks ago, how we really should stop down and visit, then John ended up in the hospital and we just got him home. I really feel bad, because Jim was always there when I needed him, since I was 12. He gave me a job, he gave me a place to stay and I sincerely hope he knows how much I cared for and appreciated him. There was no better friend to have than Jim Bench.
Dennis & Susan
left a message on October 24, 2014:
James Jr., We are so sorry to learn of the passing of your Dad. We know how close You were and what a loss this is for You and all who knew him. All of our family are sending deepest sympathy to You and Your Family. God Bless! Your Buddies, Dennis & Susan
Vickie McKinney Earle
left a message on October 23, 2014:
I remember going to his house in the summers , when I was just a kid. Hanging out at the gas station he owned at that time. As I grew I didn't get to see my uncle Bubber as much as I would of liked. He was always in my throught, and I loved him very much. I think of him and my cousins, Jr. , Michael , Beverly , all through my life. Even if we didn't see one another much, they are my Family and I love you all so very much. My heart, and prayers are with my family up there, and with those here in Florida, my love for you all will for ever be in me. May God Bless you and watch over everyone.
Jimmy & Marissa
left a message on October 22, 2014:
Jim, always a great guy, always willing to go out of your way for people! You will be missed.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Matt Kerns
left a message on October 22, 2014:
A real good man. Such a treat to hear his stories, made me laugh till it hurt, (with or without a few beers in us) just thinking of him brings a smile to my face. He'll be in my thoughts often, thank goodness!
Kathy Eastridge
left a message on October 18, 2014:
My thought and prayers go out to your family at this sad time. I drove a bus for Jim for many years, in those years I saw how Jim would go out if his way to help anyone he could , and helped me on several occasions. Jim was a good man ,an will be missed.
Teri Regina Keenan
left a message on October 18, 2014:
Kathy, Jim and family, I am so very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a great guy and I will treasure the the times I was able to spend with him. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
CarolAntao
left a message on October 18, 2014:
To the most Wonderful Man I have ever worked for, Now your are an Angel in Heaven,We will all miss you, Carol Antao.
Deborah Pro-Marshall
left a message on October 17, 2014:
Kathy, what can I say but you are in my prayers my dear lady! I am so very sorry for your loss. I am sending my love and prayers that the Lord will heal your broken heart. I hope you allow yourself to be surrounded by your family & friends and take some time for yourself! I love you. Deborah
Beverly Everett
left a message on October 17, 2014:
My thoughts are with you in this sad time just know god will see you through.
Cracker& Babs Hoops
left a message on October 16, 2014:
Junior ,Michael, Beverly, and all family members ,our hearts our saddened by your loss. May God grant you peace and understanding during this time. Jim was always special to us , although we did not see him often. May God bless all of you. Love & Prayers Cracker & Babs
michael
left a message on October 16, 2014:
The Best DAD a man could ever ask for
Ray and Ruby Thomas
left a message on October 16, 2014:
You were a great person, you will be remembered for your kindness, and the fun person you always were... Prayers for the family .
Janet Skinner & Jean Reed
left a message on October 15, 2014:
Jim, Jean Reed and I Janet Skinner will remember how you'd always be ready to help your drivers each and everyone of us It was truly enjoyable to drive for you. Driving a school bus was such fun back in our day the best time was those class trips to Hershey Park. I hope you find your friend "Buck" while your up there. Thanks for the many memories of driving bus #44 #62
Linda Shelby
left a message on October 15, 2014:
Prayers for family and friends. Jim will always be in my heart and forever in my memories. I have loved him for as long as I can remember.
Kathy Sandhoff
left a message on October 15, 2014:
I just seen this and it tore me to pieces ! To one of the best people that ever came into my life. He was the best boss that anyone could ever have. You couldn't ask for a better person . He would do anything for anyone. There was so many times that he bailed me out of jams! Covering for me at the end of the yr. when the kids had water balloons on the bus or talking on the cell phone driving and getting caught bu Bob ! You will be greatly missed !So glad to have known you, and worked for you ! Rest in peace ! My prayers go out to your family Kathy, Mike Adam and all everyone else.
Edward Mckeown
left a message on October 15, 2014:
Kathleen & Family So sorry for your loss. I have known Jim many years, he was a good person who never met a stranger. Jim would go out of his way to help others. His memories will always be in your hearts forever. You will be in my prayers. God Bless
Anabel ,and Lain Thomas
left a message on October 15, 2014:
You will always be in our memories, and we are missing you lots.
Dennis Gray
left a message on October 14, 2014:
With deepest sympathy for wonderful friend. Dennis and Betty Gray
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Beverly Meadow
left a message on April 10, 2025:
I miss you daddy! I miss your hugs and I could really use some now! But I know you're giving me a big hug! Give my mommy a big kiss and hug for me!
Debra Cloud
left a message on November 6, 2014:
Kathy, Jr., Michael and Beverly, I was so dismayed to hear of Jim's passing. John and I were just talking a few weeks ago, how we really should stop down and visit, then John ended up in the hospital and we just got him home. I really feel bad, because Jim was always there when I needed him, since I was 12. He gave me a job, he gave me a place to stay and I sincerely hope he knows how much I cared for and appreciated him. There was no better friend to have than Jim Bench.
Dennis & Susan
left a message on October 24, 2014:
James Jr., We are so sorry to learn of the passing of your Dad. We know how close You were and what a loss this is for You and all who knew him. All of our family are sending deepest sympathy to You and Your Family. God Bless! Your Buddies, Dennis & Susan
Vickie McKinney Earle
left a message on October 23, 2014:
I remember going to his house in the summers , when I was just a kid. Hanging out at the gas station he owned at that time. As I grew I didn't get to see my uncle Bubber as much as I would of liked. He was always in my throught, and I loved him very much. I think of him and my cousins, Jr. , Michael , Beverly , all through my life. Even if we didn't see one another much, they are my Family and I love you all so very much. My heart, and prayers are with my family up there, and with those here in Florida, my love for you all will for ever be in me. May God Bless you and watch over everyone.
Jimmy & Marissa
left a message on October 22, 2014:
Jim, always a great guy, always willing to go out of your way for people! You will be missed.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Matt Kerns
left a message on October 22, 2014:
A real good man. Such a treat to hear his stories, made me laugh till it hurt, (with or without a few beers in us) just thinking of him brings a smile to my face. He'll be in my thoughts often, thank goodness!
Kathy Eastridge
left a message on October 18, 2014:
My thought and prayers go out to your family at this sad time. I drove a bus for Jim for many years, in those years I saw how Jim would go out if his way to help anyone he could , and helped me on several occasions. Jim was a good man ,an will be missed.
Teri Regina Keenan
left a message on October 18, 2014:
Kathy, Jim and family, I am so very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a great guy and I will treasure the the times I was able to spend with him. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
CarolAntao
left a message on October 18, 2014:
To the most Wonderful Man I have ever worked for, Now your are an Angel in Heaven,We will all miss you, Carol Antao.
Deborah Pro-Marshall
left a message on October 17, 2014:
Kathy, what can I say but you are in my prayers my dear lady! I am so very sorry for your loss. I am sending my love and prayers that the Lord will heal your broken heart. I hope you allow yourself to be surrounded by your family & friends and take some time for yourself! I love you. Deborah
Beverly Everett
left a message on October 17, 2014:
My thoughts are with you in this sad time just know god will see you through.
Cracker& Babs Hoops
left a message on October 16, 2014:
Junior ,Michael, Beverly, and all family members ,our hearts our saddened by your loss. May God grant you peace and understanding during this time. Jim was always special to us , although we did not see him often. May God bless all of you. Love & Prayers Cracker & Babs
michael
left a message on October 16, 2014:
The Best DAD a man could ever ask for
Ray and Ruby Thomas
left a message on October 16, 2014:
You were a great person, you will be remembered for your kindness, and the fun person you always were... Prayers for the family .
Janet Skinner & Jean Reed
left a message on October 15, 2014:
Jim, Jean Reed and I Janet Skinner will remember how you'd always be ready to help your drivers each and everyone of us It was truly enjoyable to drive for you. Driving a school bus was such fun back in our day the best time was those class trips to Hershey Park. I hope you find your friend "Buck" while your up there. Thanks for the many memories of driving bus #44 #62
Linda Shelby
left a message on October 15, 2014:
Prayers for family and friends. Jim will always be in my heart and forever in my memories. I have loved him for as long as I can remember.
Kathy Sandhoff
left a message on October 15, 2014:
I just seen this and it tore me to pieces ! To one of the best people that ever came into my life. He was the best boss that anyone could ever have. You couldn't ask for a better person . He would do anything for anyone. There was so many times that he bailed me out of jams! Covering for me at the end of the yr. when the kids had water balloons on the bus or talking on the cell phone driving and getting caught bu Bob ! You will be greatly missed !So glad to have known you, and worked for you ! Rest in peace ! My prayers go out to your family Kathy, Mike Adam and all everyone else.
Edward Mckeown
left a message on October 15, 2014:
Kathleen & Family So sorry for your loss. I have known Jim many years, he was a good person who never met a stranger. Jim would go out of his way to help others. His memories will always be in your hearts forever. You will be in my prayers. God Bless
Anabel ,and Lain Thomas
left a message on October 15, 2014:
You will always be in our memories, and we are missing you lots.
Dennis Gray
left a message on October 14, 2014:
With deepest sympathy for wonderful friend. Dennis and Betty Gray
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.