Charles James Bender

“Jimmy” was born and raised in Prescott Az. As a young man he and his friends lived to raise hell all over town, often finding new and creative ways to keep law enforcement on their toes. Chuck never lost that silly and mischievous side; he loved to laugh and make up stories of his youth well into his senior years.

Chuck attended Prescott High school, leaving Prescott as a young man of 18 to join the U.S. Navy where he served with honor from 1960-1964 as a sailor on the U.S.S. Whetstone. He then went on to apprentice under a master cobbler, where he learned to work with leather and became an accomplished boot and shoe repairman. He opened the Ojai Valley shoe repair shop (1975-1979) in Ojai California, later returning to his beloved Prescott, Arizona with his family in tow to open the Prescott Boot and Shoe repair shop (1979-1984). Chuck became a master at his craft and made custom boots, shoes, and belts. He took great pride in his art and business ownership.

The family returned to California in the summer of 1984. Chuck returned to the Navy base but as a civil servant this time, working on the ships as a heavy machine operator. He retired from U.S. Naval Base Pt. Hueneme California, after 20 years of service.

Chuck is preceded in death by his parents Charles R. Bender, Elizabeth (Long) Bender and sister Vivian (Bender) Bell.

Chuck is survived by his sister Garnette Coe, children Carla Sipes, Charles Bender (Celia), Cindy Brinkerhoff (Mike) and Chris Bender. He leaves behind 14 grandchildren: Carly, James (Jr.), Chelsey, Cally Ann, Calen, Corbin, Ellysa, Kaylee, Andy, Tyler, Danee, Christian, Mason, and Tyler, 13 great-grandchildren, and Nephews Beau, Sean, Joe, Sam, Richard, and Louis.

A memorial service is scheduled for July 12 at 11:00 am at the Prescott National Cemetery.