James Sharer Bentley

“The Pelican King of East Bay” 

James Sharer Bentley passed peacefully at home on May 4, 2026, surrounded by family, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. He was 87 years old. 

Jim was born on June 10, 1938, in Long Beach, California, to Mary Louise Sharer Bentley and James C. Bentley. Born into a military family, he spent much of his early life moving throughout coastal Navy communities, an upbringing that shaped his lifelong curiosity about people, places, and the wider world. 

He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1961 to 1966, leaving the service as a Lieutenant Junior Grade. Following his military service, Jim dedicated more than three decades to the Escambia County School Food Service Program, where he became known not only for his leadership, but for the relationships and friendships he built along the way. 

Jim earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Management from Michigan State University and later received a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of West Florida. 

Known affectionately by neighbors as “The Pelican King of East Bay,” Jim loved the water, wildlife, storytelling, and gathering people together. He had a generous spirit, a quick wit, and a remarkable ability to make people feel seen. He never met a stranger. Conversations with him often became stories, stories became legends, and everyone usually left smiling. 

He loved nature deeply and passed that appreciation on to his children and grandchildren through hikes, adventures outdoors, and countless shared moments along the water. From carrying his children on his shoulders through the woods as a young father to later hiking portions of the Appalachian Trail with his sons, Jim believed life was best experienced fully and together. 

A gifted storyteller and lifelong thinker, Jim authored two books, Light Flashes in the Tunnel and Lighting the Passage, reflections filled with humor, philosophy, humanity, and his unmistakable voice. Writing, for him, was another way of connecting with people he loved. 

More than any accomplishment, Jim will be remembered for the way he made people feel: welcomed, entertained, encouraged, and loved. His family was the center of his life and his greatest joy. 

He was preceded in death by his son, Kirk Andrew Bentley, and his sister, Martha Bentley. He is survived by his brother, Fred Bentley; his children Sean Bentley, Lisa Bentley (Dave), Shannon Bentley (Pat), and Paul Bentley (Brigette); along with grandchildren, extended family, dear friends, neighbors, and the many people whose lives were brightened by knowing him. 

His brother Fred wrote simply: “A brother for 85 years, his support and love was always there for all of us. He was the best of humanity.” 

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Susan Langer, Dr. Alexander Brown and staff, the Cancer Center, and VITAS Hospice Care for their compassion and care. 

Jim often wrote about life as a shared journey filled with stories, laughter, hardships, and wonder. In the spirit of the man himself, the family hopes those who knew him will remember him best by gathering together, telling good stories — even slightly embellished ones — and celebrating the people they love.