James Leonard Bentz "Popo"

Murray, UTWe are sad to announce the passing of a true original, the kind of singular character who in some waygreat or smalltouches the lives of everyone with whom he comes in contact. At the same time, we are overjoyed to be 100 percent certain of two things: 1) James Leonard Bentz, 80, is now safe and at peace in the loving embrace of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, free from the respiratory challenges that compromised the last year of his life; and 2) the spice and seasoning sections of that Great Supermarket in the Sky, should there exist such an enterprise, are now fully stocked, faced and dusted. People who were his friends, his children, his wife, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren called him Jim, Dad, Honey, or Popo, respectively. He was born in Long Beach, California, to Claude M. and Vilate Bentz on December 7, 1936, and he left us somewhere in the early hours of January 8, 2017. And in between, what a life! He was raised in Anchorage, Alaska, where he worked on the Cook-Inlet docks for his father's company and attended West Anchorage High School. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Washington before joining his big brother, Marvin (Mike), who was studying at the University of Utah at the time. In Salt Lake City, Jim also attended The U. However, it was his job at a long-defunct grocery outlet called "Fame" that led to what Jim always claimed to be the greatest victory of his life. There he met a beautiful young "checker" named Geraldine McCollin, fell instantly in love, and somehow won her away from the "big, blonde football stud" she was seeing at the time. (Way to go, Dad!) Jim and Gerry married on June 5, 1959. Always together, they raised three kidsJimmy, Cindi and Rickin a little home in Murray made cozy and loving by a stay-at-home mom and a dad who worked tirelessly to make it all possible. Jim made the grocery business his career, working for Albertsons stores before joining McCormick/Schilling and Company to sell spices and seasoningsa "Pepper Pusher" as he described himself. While the grocery business, in whatever form, often failed to charm him, Jim set a wonderful example for his children in that he always gave his best effort and took pride in his sales figures and the appearance of his spice and "foil" sections. Jim was devoted first and foremost to his family. He bought a truck and camper one year, instead of digging a basement. Some of the family balked at this, but he knew better; he knew that those trips to Granite Flats, Moosehorn Lake, Flaming Gorge, Disneyland and the Pacific, would produce the kind of lasting memories he wanted us to have. Jim was a tireless supporter of the kidsfrom his own three to the grand and great-grandchildrenin all their sundry adventures and endeavors. From football to dance, volleyball to lacrosse, hockey to baseball, soccer towell, soccer, Dad/Po Po was always there. Education, however, was what really mattered. Aside from their salvation, Jim had only one concern for his children: that they earn their diplomas and degreesthe rest was literally "fun and games." And once the Lord got hold of him, Jim melded his devotion to family with that to his faith. As for him and his house we would follow the Lord. Dad certainly held up his end: serving at Anchor Baptist Church as a deacon, bookkeeper, and a member of more than one special committee; however, his work with the youth of the churchas Sunday school teacher, "Junior Astronauts" commander (something like that) and AWANA leader that brought him greatest joy. Many of his former chargesnow grown and successful Christian adults and parents, themselveshave kept in touch over the years to let Jim know how much he meant to them and their spiritual growth. Looking back, Jim has always been an important figure in the lives of children, his own and many others as well. He coached Murray Ute Conference football for many years, and continued to attend his players games after they'd moved on to high school. After retiring from McCormick/Schilling, Jim and Gerry both served as volunteer playground monitors at Longview Elementary School, where they were known as Popo and Nana. The kids also called Jim "The Candy Man" for his practice of giving out Jolly Rodgers or Airheads as rewards for kindnesses and courtesies the children might show each other on the playground. But those respiratory challenges forced him to turn in his playground whistle and bags of candy, and you could tell this hurt him. He was, however, able to say goodbye to his kids last year by serving as their Santa Claus before Winter Break. Ahbut there's so much more: Master of the so-called "Naughty-Boy Tool" (his Swiss Army Knife and/or Leatherman 12-in- 1); the scary shark-in- the-pool (for the grandkids); producer of the world's finest patty melt; music lover (from opera to the gospel stylings of Tennessee Williams and the Gaithers); University of Utah fanwhat a man! James Leonard Bentz is preceded in death by his father, Claude; his mother, Vilate; his brother, Marvin (Mike). He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gerry, and their three children: Jimmy (Linnea) Bentz, Rick (Jessica) Bentz, Cindi (Dan) Mauchley; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. A visitation and memorial service for this loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend will be held Thursday, January 12, 2017, at Anchor Baptist Church (1880 East 5600 South) at 12 PM (visitation) and 1 PM (memorial). In lieu of flowers, Jim desired donations for a van to support the many elderly of Anchor. Place of Birth:Long Beach, CaliforniaPlace of Death:Murray, Utah