With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our brother, James “Dutch” Ralph Bentley, who went to heaven to be with our parents on April 10, 2025.
James was born as the fourth of eight children on March 17, 1959 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was a cute, chunky, happy baby. Dad’s brother and friends kept joking that he looked like the baby in the Dutch Boy Paint commercials, so everyone began calling him “The Dutchman”, or “Dutch”. James attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School and Chanute High school, and obtained his Electrician’s Certificate in 1984 from Pittsburg State College. Subsequently he did electrical work in Texas, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
James was noted for his affection for the underdog and for his quirky humor and creativity. His humor often made us howl with laughter. He loved to make collages on the attic walls out of odd newspaper clippings and family photos. As siblings moved away he would send them and the grandkids gifts wrapped in these paper collages. They were amazing and we are grateful that some have been saved.
Our family will always be grateful to him for the good care he gave our Mother in her last years. Until her death in 2013 he was completely devoted and committed to her, as she and Dad had been to us.
His journey through life wasn’t always easy. He faced many challenges but never let them harden his kind and loving heart. He was the kind of person who would give what little he had to someone in need. He never hesitated to lend a hand, crack a joke, take in a stray dog, or bury a neighbor’s dog. His imperfections only made his goodness shine brighter. He was deeply loved, and he leaves behind memories that will make us smile, shake our heads in wonder, and continue to laugh. We take comfort in knowing that he is finally at peace, free from the battles he faced, and was told he was loved on his last day.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Ceil Bentley. He is survived by his seven siblings who loved and cared for him till the end and will carry his memory with love and laughter: Jan Bentley of Kansas City, Missouri, Jane and her husband Kim Blocher of Lawrence, John and his wife Diana Bentley of LaMesa, California, Jill Bentley of Pasadena, California, Julie O’Connor of La Jolla, California, Joe Bentley and Jay Thomas Bentley of Dallas, Texas, nephews Brad Brian, and Jake, and nieces Dria and Adyline.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chanute in May when family members can all attend. A graveside service will be held in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Chanute immediately afterwards. The date and time will be posted in this paper and online at https:// www.countrysidefh.com/ Subsequently, a Celebration of Life will be held for friends and family at a place, date, and time to be determined and posted.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the ACARF, the no-kill animal shelter for SEK at https://www. ACARF.org
