James John Bentivoglio and his faithful dog Hermann left this earth for their heavenly home on September 29th, 2021, together, as always. Jim was born September 13, 1955, at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland. Hermann was born November 12, 2015.
Jim began his first career as a college football coach after graduating Summa Cum Laude from San Francisco State University. He began coaching at his alma mater and made his way to the University of Washington and Southern Illinois University. Jim also spent time as an intern with his favorite San Francisco 49ers; on the staff of the Seattle Seahawks and as the head coach of the American Football League London, Leicester Panthers. Jim’s love of the defensive side of football guided him after graduating Magna Cum Laude from SIU School of Law, choosing to become a Defense attorney. Jim’s love for coaching never waned, always scribbling football plays on paper napkins while eating out and helping coach his son Dalton’s football team.
Jim had a passion for people and a love of conversation. He struck up conversations wherever life took him and always uncovered something unique about every person he met. His quick wit and charm were unmatchable. He was always ready with a story or to give a helping hand.
He took his hat off and stood for the flag and appreciated the service of our troops. Jim loved sports, something he shared with his son. He could recite stats and debate the officials with the best. Jim “bled Blue” for his St. Louis Blues, was a loyal fan to his hometown San Francisco Giants and 49ers (win or lose) and adopted the St. Louis Cardinals as his home team.
Jim was an avid landscaper and gardener, always sharing the wealth of the garden with friends, neighbors, and strangers.
For the past four years, Hermann became Jim’s largest hobby! Training, researching the breed, walking, and loving the most amazing fur baby a family could want.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Isadore and Elisabeth Bentivoglio.
He is survived by wife of 35 years, Rita Nation – Bentivoglio;
son, Dalton James Emory (Ashley Roller) Bentivoglio;
siblings, Michael (Deborah) Bentivoglio, Incline Village, Nevada;
Stephen (Lori) Bentivoglio, Swan Valley, Idaho;
John Bentivoglio, Chevy Chase, Maryland; Christy (Bill Rundle) Bentivoglio;
sisters-in-law, Denise (Grubby) Parks and Carol (Pat) Keedy.
Just like family, Gerry Jones, Pam and Benny Boyer, Debbie and Kevin Waldrop,
Gayla Hug, the HoHoHo group, Breñda (Steve) Lemøn, Carol (Jim) Honer,
Debbie (John) Buese, Janice (Jack) Piquard, Kathy (Tony) Woods,
K Jean (Alan) Welch;
nieces and nephews, Katie and Michael Bentivoglio; Jack, Olivia and Thomas Bentivoglio;
Tyler Barton and Trevor Bird; Shannon Parks;
Matthew Kirchhoff, Cole Kirchoff, and Jayne Stancil.
If you prefer, rather than flowers feel free to bring a fresh vegetable to fill our Harvest Basket for St. Vincent DePaul in keeping with Jim’s tradition of sharing. Memorial requests to Blues for Kids, St Jude’s, Illinois Alaskan Malamute Rescue Association, or Randy’s Rescue Ranch. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Celebrate Jim and Hermann with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL. Standard CDC guidelines, including masks and social distancing will be observed.
Funeral: A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Shiloh, IL, with Fr. James Thomas officiating. Masks are required.