James (Jim) Richard Berendsen, 82, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024 with family by his side. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Bernard and Mary Berendsen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Lawrence Berendsen, Gerald Berendsen, Beverly Nelson, and Edward Berendsen.
Jim will be greatly missed by his wife of 50 years, Patricia (Macklin) Berendsen; his daughters Elaine (Stephen) Szuch and Beth Berendsen (Kevin Roth); grandfather to Lola and Elinor Szuch and Olivia Berendsen-Roth; and siblings Charles Berendsen and Mary Lynn Berendsen. Jim was also a Brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle, and friend to many.
Jim was a graduate of James Ford Rhodes High School in Cleveland, Ohio University, and Capital University Law School. He was an attorney for the Ohio Public Utilities Commission and Columbia Gas of Ohio. An avid runner and lifetime fan of all Cleveland sports teams, Jim loved to read and travel with his family.
The family will receive friends from 4-7pm on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Schoedinger Worthington. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025 at St. Peter Roman Catholic Church. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Legal Aid Society of Columbus by going to https://www.lasco.org/donate
