James Robert "Jim" Bedell, III

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Robert "Jim" Bedell, III, 80, of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina on August 7, 2024. Jim passed away peacefully at NHC Healthcare in Charleston, South Carolina.

Born on February 17, 1944, in Akron, Ohio, Jim was the beloved son of James Robert Bedell, II and Elizabeth Rasor Bedell of Akron, Ohio. He grew up in Akron where he attended Archbishop Hoban High School and was a resident of Akron for more than 70 years. A visionary entrepreneur and beloved father and grandfather, he left a lasting mark on both the business world and his family. As founder and owner of Bedell-Kraus Flexographic Rubber in Stow, Ohio, for more than 30 years, Jim was a beacon of inspiration for many aspiring business owners. 

While Jim's professional achievements were remarkable, it was his love for his family that truly defined him. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, creating memories that will be treasured forever. Using his skill and dedication, Jim loved gardening and also pursued a lifelong passion for pigeon racing. He served as president of the Greater Akron Racer's Club (GAR) and president of the Ohio-Penn Federation Chapter of the American Pigeon Racing Federation (AU). Among his most cherished accomplishments was being elected by the national AU board as one of the esteemed Elwin Anderson Legends of the Sport title in 2016. Jim was also a proud member of the Navy Reserves.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, of 49 years, Martha Bedell, daughters Bridget Bedell Casenhiser (Michael), of Norton, Ohio, Jennifer Bedell Prestridge (Eric) and Erin Bedell of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; grandchildren Austin Casenhiser (Leah), of North Canton, Ohio, Mason Casenhiser, Cole Casenhiser, and Faith Casenhiser, of Norton, Ohio, and Chase Prestridge, Katelyn Prestridge, and Skylar Prestridge, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; great-grandchildren Holden and Henry Casenhiser of North Canton, Ohio; sisters Elizabeth Bedell Kraus, of Wadswarth, Ohio, Mary Bedell Hatfield (John) of Philadelphia, brother Stephen Bedell (Susan) of Brecksville, Ohio and sister Joellen Bedell Hoffman (Glen) of Norton, and many nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his sisters-in-law Ann, Liz and Jane. He was preceded in death by his father, James Robert Bedell II, mother, Elizabeth Rasor Bedell, sister Susan Bedell Archer (Jim) and brother-in-law Dennis Kraus. 

Jim's tenacity was best mirrored by his favorite passage, President Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" speech, which he often liked to quote. He will be deeply missed, but Jim's legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known him. We also celebrate the richness of a life well-lived, marked by ambition, compassion and an unwavering commitment to both work and family.

Funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in his memory. Alzheimer's Association ℅ Donor Services 225 North Michigan Ave. 17th floor Chicago, Illinois 60601 www.alz.org.com, (800) 272-3900 

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, (843) 884-3833.