Jim was born in Orofino, Idaho, on April 14, 1953, to James Bruce Bening and Jewel Dean (Bouldin) Bening. He was called home to heaven on March 31, 2015, after a brave fight with cancer.

Jim's family settled in Pinehurst, Idaho, where he grew up and graduated from Kellogg High in 1971.

Jim had a lifetime love affair with the outdoors, and loved to share his knowledge and passion with others. He earned his Eagle Scout Badge while living in Pinehurst.

He married Carol Bennett in 1973 and together they had a daughter, Heather Aurora Bening. They later divorced.

Jim knew at a young age he wanted to fly. He learned to fly as a teenager and earned his pilot's license at age 18 at the Silverton, Idaho, airport and continued to make flying his vocation until he passed away. Jim joined the Air Force as an aircraft maintenance specialist and continued his flight training to receive his instrument rating.

After the Air Force, Jim continued to fly for Felts Field Aviation and then PGT. He returned to school to study engineering, another passion in his life, before going to work for the FAA.

Jim married the love of his life, Leslie (Augustine) in 1999. Together, they lived life to the fullest. Camping, river rafting, hunting, trap shooting, traveling, wildlife photography, and good times with family and friends made his life complete.

This is a man who could truly say he lived his life to the fullest.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Jewel Bening. He is survived by his wife, Leslie; father Jim Bening Sr.; daughter Heather and her husband Marc Dayton; sister Shannon; brother Wil and wife Candy Bening; two nieces; mother-in-law Shirley Augustine (EMI); and Leslie's children, Bob Sanford (Sara), Caleb Sanford and Holly Sanford.

Jim (aka grandpa yahoo) was the proud grandpa to 11 grandkids, with one on the way, and one great-grandchild.

There will be a celebration of Jim's life at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2015, at Felts Field - Moody Aviation Hanger, 6719 E. Rutter Ave., No. 68, Spokane. Please come and celebrate this wonderful life with us.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of North Idaho.

RIP forever and two days!

Bell Tower Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements and you may visit Jim's online memorial at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.