The family of James Edward Bender Jr. has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Jim was born on 16 May 1959 in Chicago and entered Eternal Rest on 07 October 2022.
Jim proudly served his Country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1981 to 1985. His MOS was 3521, Automotive Mechanic. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton as an Organizational
Automotive Mechanic and deployed to Okinawa during his enlistment. His awards/citations included the Good Conduct Medal, the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. James was honorable discharged as a Lance Corporal in 1985 from Camp Pendleton.
After the military, Jim worked in automotive repair and maintenance at various locations. He also worked as a tile setter and delivery until his retirement.
His hobbies included a collection of Elvis Presley and John Wayne memorabilia, and he was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears.
He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at the American Legion Post 200 and the Moose Lodge 1021 in Lake Elsinore.
Jim is survived by his wife, Ronda, his three sisters, Char, Barbara, and Debb, and his ex-wife Beverly. Children Susan, Kevin, and twins Patrick and Paul. He also leaves behind four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting will facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will accompany the Hero and his family from the American Legion Post 200 to his final resting place. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. We will meet you there for those who would rather go directly to the Cemetery.
If you cannot accompany this Hero, please consider meeting us at the RNC/PGR Staging Area with a flag line as the Hero arrives.
Time Table for Friday 09 December 2022
0930 – Stage at American Legion Post 200, 18871 Grand Ave., Lake Elsinore, CA
https://goo.gl/maps/8EiHTEVQEhm0945 – Mission Briefing
1000 – KSU to Riverside National Cemetery (PGR Staging area, north of the first Rest Room as you come into RNC. This will allow a Flagline as the accompaniment enters the Cemetery) 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
http://goo.gl/maps/v0K0E1130 – KSU to assigned Shelter for Flag line, Service and Military Honors
Note: Celebration of Life to follow: Moose Lodge, 32391 Riverside Drive, Unit 3678, Lake Elsinore.
R/C Steve “Taz” George
So Cal PGR Ride Captain
714-931-3950
sghdbeast@gmail.com
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission, go to the initial staging area, and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or wear casual attire if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent with honor and respect for our Heroes—no talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just those we honor.
