James Bentley, 70, of Oelwein passed away Monday November 9, 2020 at MercyOne Medical Center in Waterloo.  There will be a Celebration of Life held at Jimmy’s home, 5124 Outer Road in Oelwein, on Friday November 13, 2020 beginning at 3:00 PM.  Due to state and federal guidelines on gatherings regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing is required.  Those in attendance are required to wear a mask. 

James Wallace Bentley was born in Oran on February 4, 1950 to parents Wallace Bentley and Barbara Nichols.  He graduated from Wapsie Valley High School and then served his country honorably in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.  He had been employed with Donaldson Co. for many years and later with Rupp Air.  He was a member of the American Legion.  Jimmy’s favorite thing in life was race car driving!  He owned his own car and attended races all over Iowa. 

He loved fishing, gardening and the freedom and open air of country living.  He was a great dancer in his younger years and loved country music.  He was his own man in every way and he will be dearly missed by family and friends.

Left to celebrate Jimmy’s life are his daughter Lonna Bentley and his son Lief Bentley; his sister Mary Beth (Clyde) Guillaume and his brother Mitchel Strang.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Edna and Richard Brickman; his mother Barbara Strang; his father Wallace Bentley; and his long-time partner Eileen Arthur.