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James John "Jimmy" Bench

October 10, 1963 - August 26, 2025

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Obituary For James John "Jimmy" Bench

Age 61, of Whitehall, the youngest brother and the completion of a 9 boy baseball team, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 of natural causes.

Jim was the beloved son of the late Leonard Sr. and Irene Bench; beloved brother of Leonard Jr. (Christine), Thomas (Lois), David (Claire), Vincent (Janet), Charles (Margaret), Gary (Dawn) and Michael (Kathleen) and preceded in death by his brother, Robert. He is also survived by 21 nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and nephews. Jim honorably served 4 years in the U.S. Air Force as an F-15 fighter jet engine mechanic. Upon his service completion, Jim earned a bachelor's degree in natural science from the California State University of Pennsylvania and then proceeded to a successful career of more than 20 years teaching science with the Baldwin-Whitehall School District - his last position being a biology teacher with the high school. Jim’s quick smile and boisterous laugh were a magnet and a muse to those around him. He was always fun in a gathering, but his friends also knew him as one who could be counted on when the need arose. Jim’s itch for fishing took him all over northern Pennsylvania and Ohio but his real passion was walleye fishing in Lake Erie. Jim had extensive knowledge of Pennsylvania wildlife and foliage and in particular, the habits of local birds, all of which he shared generously. One could learn a lot by spending 5 minutes with Jim. His absence will affect many, he will be sorely missed. Friends and family will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 2-8 p.m. Funeral prayer on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. John XXIII Parish, St. Benedict the Abbot Church at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Jim would have appreciated your support for the National Audubon Society, 614 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238.

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Tributes

  • 5 TREES

    Catherine M. Haydusko planted 5 trees in memory of James John "Jimmy" Bench . - August 28, 2025

Condolences

  • September 25, 2025

    Brett Beaver

    I served with J.B. in Virginia 40 years ago. He was truly a great friend and I will never forget him.

  • August 31, 2025

    Mar

    I met Jimmy and Mike through my husband, Jerry, who grew up with Team Bench. Every encounter with Jimmy was full of his boisterous laugh and a goofy joke that I will treasure. He always left a room brighter than he found it. My deepest sympathies to his family and all that had the good fortune to know him. Mar

  • August 30, 2025

    Aunt Claudia

    To the Bench boys.....words cannot express the sadness you are feeling with the passing of JJ. He was a super brother....the end of the line. My sympathy to all of you.

  • August 30, 2025

    Bob & Donna Hester

    Words seem useless at a time like this... Donna & I are deeply saddened .. To Fam ALL--- KNOW how much we care & hurt with all of you. Left us too early Cuz-- waaaay too early! Thank you for your service my brother--to our G R E A T Nation... Welcome home! It's not so sunny in the Sunshine State today.. Lovingly, Bob & Donna Hester Viera Fl.

  • August 29, 2025

    Linda Newman

    My condolences to the Bench family.I grew up next door to the Benches Linda Newman(Taylor)

  • August 29, 2025

    Lisa Howcroft

    Im sending my condolences to Jim's family. Jim was my neighbor for 9 years on Fieldcrest and we couldn't have asked for a better neighbor. He also taught Biology to both of my daughters and they truly loved him. Jim will be sorely missed by many.

  • August 29, 2025

    Nancy & Bruce Christopher

    Jimmy, you will be missed! Your infectious laugh, your care and compassion for others, especially your dear Dad, your love of family, all some of the things that made you, you! You have left us too soon, dear cousin. Nancy & Bruce Christopher

  • August 28, 2025

    Chazz

    Jim was a good guy. I was friends with him in high school and then we lost touch. Such is life. I've thought about him numerous times over the years, especially his laugh. It was infectious! Rest in peace, brother Jim.

  • August 28, 2025

    Jim & Josie

    Josie and I are extremely sad about the passing of Jimmy. He was a Great Kid and will be missed. I know it is a tough time within the Bench Family. If there is anything we can do please let us know. Love and prayers to all the Bench Family. Jim &Josie Hester and Family

  • August 28, 2025

    Cathie Haydusko

    Lenny, Tommy, David, Vincent, Chuckie, Gary, Michael and Families, I have no words that would make you feel better, I have none. I have to admit the passing of Jimmy was one of the worst hurts of my life. Our family always had a special love for Jimmy as my Mom raised Jimmy from birth for about five months as his Mom, Aunt Irene fought cancer. The day they came to take him home we all cried. We all were so attached to him. Jimmy was my first Godchild and that was so special. I have so many happy memories over the years with Jimmy. Since I moved to Arizona he called me every few months just to check in and we always had great talks!! I hope Jimmy knew how many people loved him and will miss him terribly! I hope Aunt Irene, Uncle Lenny and Robby were there to welcome him home. Rest in Peace Dear Godson, you will be missed! I will always love you.

  • August 28, 2025

    Marlene Paulikonis

    I remember him with that beautiful smile and kindness to everybody. He will be MISSED BY MANY!!!God Bless Him

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