James L. Bentz
James L. Bentz, 81, Columbia City, died peacefully at his home in the company of family at 2:43 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2021.
He was born June 4, 1939, in Fort Wayne, a son of the late John Howard Bentz and Flo (VanArsdol) Bentz. Growing up in Roanoke, he graduated from Roanoke High School in 1957. He earned a Certified Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) designation and Lean Manufacturing during his work career.
On Nov. 28, 1958, he married Rosemary A. Mills. They made their first home in Huntington Co. James’ career took them to Naperville, Ill., Wagner, Okla., Aurora, Ill. and Springfield, Ohio.
A career-long employee of International Harvester/Navistar, he worked in Supply Chain Management, retiring in 2006 with 45 years of service. In 2017, the couple moved to Columbia City.
Early in his life, he assisted his father with farming. Throughout his life, he liked to stay active by maintaining his property and playing regular rounds of golf. He liked to hunt in season and took several trips to the western states for deer hunting. James was an accomplished woodworker making various pieces of furniture for his home and family.
A 60 year member of the Roanoke Masonic Lodge #195, he also belonged to the Scottish Rite and the Mizpah Shrine. While residing in Springfield, OH, he was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and their Northwood Hills Golf Club. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Surviving is his wife of 62 years, Rosemary; a daughter, Julie Ann Muzzy of South Whitley; a son, Timothy J. Bentz of Louisville, Ohio; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; a brother, Wayne Bentz of Huntington and a sister Diann (John Creighton) Cartwright of Fort Wayne.
He was preceded in death by his son, John F. Bentz.
A Masonic graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. at the Glenwood Cemetery, Roanoke on Saturday, March 20.
Preferred memorials in James’ honor are to the Masonic Lodge #195, Roanoke.