John William "Jack" Bender

ATHENS - John W. “Jack” Bender, 67 of Athens, died Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 12:12 AM at the Kobacker House in Columbus, OH. Born October 22, 1951 in Pittsburgh, PA, he was the son of the late James F. and Mary “Aileen” Aylward Bender.

A lifetime member of the Ohio Philosophical Association, Jack dedicated his life to education. He obtained his B.A. at the University of Michigan with high distinction in 1973 and would later achieve his M.A. at Harvard University in 1975. In 1978, he earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University where his thesis would be included as part of the university’s Widener Library. He published countless articles and publications throughout his life where his research specialized in epistemology, metaphysics, aesthetics, contemporary analytic philosophy, and philosophy of mind. After graduating with his Ph.D. from Harvard, Jack taught at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH and in September of 1985, would begin his lifelong career of teaching at Ohio University. It was while at Ohio University, he would become the Chair of the Philosophy Department.

Many knew Jack for his lifelong education achievements,  though he was also a passionate fine dining cook and connoisseur of wines. He loved listening to classical music often in his free time would enjoy painting.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Mary; son, Matthew (Lacie) Bender; grandson, Maxton E. Bender; brothers, Tom (Tawnya) Bender and Jim Bender; niece, Emily (Alex) Jukowski; and nephew, Nathan Bender.

A memorial will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at 7PM at Hughes-Moquin Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Salyer officiating. Friends may call upon the family on Tuesday from 5PM to 8PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Athens County Dog Shelter, 13333 OH 13, Chauncey, OH 45719. Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbook, send the family a private message of sympathy, or view Jack’s tribute video at our website, www.hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com.