James William Munro Bentley

James William Munro Bentley, who volunteered for more than two decades for the American Red Cross, died Wednesday, January 30 in his home at The Brennity at Melbourne, Senior Living, after a long battle with dementia. He was 84.

He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and lived on a farm there during his formative years. He was the son of James O. Bentley, an engineer who worked for General Electric Co., and Gladys Petersen, a homemaker.

He attended Indiana University (IU) where he met Ruth VanBilliard, his future wife. He graduated from IU in 1957 with a BS in physics and married Ruth shortly thereafter. Upon graduation, Mr. Bentley served in the National Guard and completed a six year active tour in the Army Reserves. During this time, he worked for General Electric in Pittsfield MA and several locations in upstate New York.

They later relocated to Indianapolis, IN, and Birmingham, MI, where they raised two children, David and William. He was active in the Parent-Teacher Association and Scouting as a participant and leader.

Mr. Bentley and family later relocated back to upstate New York (Auburn), Flemington, NJ and Melbourne FL, working for General Electric throughout. After retiring from GE, he worked for Harris Corp in Melbourne. He retired in 1996 after 40 years of employment in the semiconductor industry.

Mr. Bentley served in the Disaster Relief program of the American Red Cross where he was a shelter manager for 8 hurricanes. He was also a long time member of the Presbyterian church, serving as an Elder and enjoying fellowship and friends in the many communities throughout his journey.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons David (Colleen) and William (Holly) and five grandchildren, Jacob, Brooke, Margaret, Nicholas, and Elizabeth, and one great-granddaughter, Lily.

A memorial service with military honors will be held Saturday, February, 9, at Trinity Wellsprings Church in Satellite Beach at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Red Cross can be made at https://www.redcross.org/donate/memorial-donations.html/ or the Eastern Florida State College Foundation (https://www.efscfoundation.org/) by designating The Brennity’s “Resident’s Council” in the “Other” designation category. A memorial where photos and testimonials can be shared is available at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/rockledge-fl/james-bentley-8144569