James J. Bentley

James "Jim" J. Bentley, age 93, of Rome, passed away peacefully at home on July 8, 2025, with his family by his side.

Jim was born in Brooklyn, NY on September 27, 1931, to the late James A. and Elizabeth Powers Bentley, and educated in the Brooklyn Schools. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy Reserves from 1947-1950 and enlisted into the U.S. Air Force from 1950-1953, and served during the Korean Conflict. While in the military, he met Cpl. Eileen Keough and the two were united in marriage on Easter Sunday (April 5) in 1953, at the chapel on Griffiss AFB; a blessed union of over 55 years until her passing on July 7, 2008. He retired from Griffiss after 37 1/2 years where he worked as the shop foreman of the Aircraft Electric and Radar Electric Service Units.

Jim was an avid fisherman and hunter thanks to his sons and loved the outdoors. He loved to bowl, snowmobile, and cross-country ski with Eileen. He was a member of the Mohawk Frasers Bagpipe Band for 35 years and also the Schenectady Bagpipe Band for three years. He would also enjoy trying his luck at the casino. Jim was a hands-on type of guy and loved to repair and make things. As his children say, "dad could make things happen."

Jim is survived by his treasured children, James (Susan) Bentley Jr., Cathy (Joseph) Schillaci, Daniel (Bonnie) Bentley, Patrick Bentley, and Joseph Bentley; his dearly loved grandchildren, Erika, Jason (Julia), Melissa (Peter), Kristie, Joey, Sara (Diego), Amber, Brandon, Chelsea, Ty, and Trevor, Colin, Shannon; and 18 cherished great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his two sisters, Doris Bentley and Joan Myler.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 15, at 11 AM, at St. Peter's Church (Sacred Heart Parish). Burial with military honor will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Monday from 4 to 6 PM at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413.

Please offer online condolences at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com .