James E. "Ben" Bentkowski
December 26, 1954 ~ August 5, 2024
Born in:
Heidelberg, Germany
Resided in:
Lawrenceville, Georgia
James E. “Ben” Bentkowski, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and esteemed geologist, passed away on August 5, 2024. Born on December 26, 1954, Ben dedicated his life to the study and appreciation of geology.
Ben earned his Bachelor’s degree in Geology from Florida Atlantic University and went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Geology from Oklahoma State University. He was a founding member and past president of the Atlanta Geological Society and had a passion for collecting rocks, fossils, and gems. He also participated in several national workgroups including the Groundwater Forum and was an instructor for the CERCAL Education Center’s High-Resolution Site Characterization training course. Ben was appointed to the Georgia State Board of Registered Geologists by Governor Nathan Deal in 2014. He served as a board member until 2020.
From 2007 to 2024, Ben served as a Senior Hydrologist in the Scientific Support Section of the Superfund and Emergency Management Division at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). His contributions to the field were significant and impactful.
He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathaleen; his sons, Christopher and Matthew; his daughters-in-law, Kristina and Yen; his grandchildren, Nolan, John, Evelyn, and Addison; his mother, Katherine; and his sister, Susan.
A viewing and memorial service will be held at Wages and Sons Gwinnett Chapel on Friday, August 9, 2024, with the viewing at 1 PM and the memorial service at 2 PM. Ben will be cremated following the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Fernbank Museum of Natural History in memory of James “Ben” Bentkowski. Donations can be made at https:/www.fernbankmuseum.org/support/ways-to-give/
Services
Visitation: August 9, 2024 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel
1031 Lawrenceville Hwy.
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-277-4550
Funeral Service: August 9, 2024 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel
1031 Lawrenceville Hwy.
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-277-4550
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I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Matt’s dad. I know how much he meant to you. May your memories bring you peace and comfort.
I had the honor of working with Ben at EPA. It was always such a pleasure to be around him and always willing to share his intelligent perspective. God give his family and friends some comfort for their great loss.
Will miss you mightily, old friend.
Patsy Goldberg
Beneath our feet, the bedrock sings,
A song of stability, of ancient things.
Foundation of the world, so vast and wide,
In the bedrock’s song, we confide.
…… I will miss him but will not forget him. May your memories bring you peace.
I served on the Georgia State Board of Registration for Professional Geologists with Ben for many years. He was considerate, thoughtful, kind, and a pillar of hydrogeological knowledge. Last year, we crossed paths at a conference and he offered to provide links to technical resources. He was passionate about science and always happy to help. I am thankful for the time I had to spend with Ben.
I am shocked and so sorry to hear of Ben’s passing. I enjoyed knowing him and working with him some with EPA.
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Mike and I are saddened to hear this news of Ben’s passing. We offer our prayers to Kathaleen, Chris, and, Matt and the whole family. May you find comfort support each other during this time of grief. We will always remember Ben as an intelligent, funny, warm-hearted neighbor and friend.
Missing Ben! A wonderful co-worker who was always glad to see me or talk with me on the phone. Always kind and helpful! Rest in Peace, Ben! It’s an honor to have known you while you were on Earth.
Ben was the kind of person that you wished there were more people like him in the world. He was kind, courageous, intelligent, and always took other’s thoughts into consideration. I will miss him!