James Robert Bender, 43 of Three Rivers, passed away February 17, 2020 at Three Rivers Health Hospital. He was born in Sturgis on March 23, 1976, a son of David and Joyce (Waters) Bender. Jim attended Three Rivers Schools.

On June 30, 2018, he married Shawna Sweitzer at Bonneyville Mills in Bristol. Jim was a welder, working on South Bay Pontoons for Forest River Marine in Middlebury. He loved to go fishing and hunting and enjoyed RC cars and playing video games with the boys. Jim was always telling jokes and loved to make people laugh.

Jim is survived by his wife Shawna Sweitzer of Three Rivers; mother Joyce Bender (Wayne Simmons) of Centreville; children Brandon Wilson of WI, Cierra Bender of Constantine, Alyssa Oswalt (Zach Julien) of Sturgis, Tyler Tullos of Three Rivers, and Micah Bailey of Three Rivers; grandchildren Bryson and Abriella Julien; brother William (Terri) Bender of Constantine; grandmother Virginia Bender of Jones; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his father, uncle Lad Carpenter, nephew Kyle Bender, and cousin Mark Allen Edmisten.

Cremation has taken place. No public services will occur. Arrangements were entrusted to Eley Funeral Home, Centreville. Memorial donations can be given to the funeral home to help with expenses. Online messages can be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.