Joseph James Bentley
December 12, 1965 – December 18, 2025
Age 60

Joseph James Bentley lived a life defined by courage, service, creativity, and unwavering devotion to his family, his community, and the values he stood for. A protector by calling and a creator at heart, Joe embodied strength with compassion and leadership.

Joe was born in Richmond, California, and from an early age demonstrated a deep sense of responsibility and determination that would guide him in his life's work and relationships.

In July 2024, Joe was diagnosed with stage IV Thymic Carcinoma. True to who he was, he faced the battle with grit, determination, and courage. Over the course of his fight, he endured 29 rounds of chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, and several rounds of radiation, never backing down and never losing his faith and determination. Even in the hardest moments, Joe remained focused on his family, his faith, and the life he was determined to keep living. His fight was fierce, brave, and inspiring—an extension of the warrior he had always been.

On June 11, 1988, Joe married the love of his life, LuAnn Davis. Together they built a strong, enduring marriage rooted in faith, and unconditional love. He was a devoted husband and a fiercely proud father to their four children: Breanna, Robby, Marcus, and Rachel, guiding them with love, wisdom, and encouragement.

Joe earned his Bachelor's degree and dedicated over 20 years as a police officer, serving the Oxnard community with honor. For 10 of those years, he served on the SWAT team, an achievement reflecting his exceptional skill, discipline, and leadership. Highly respected in his profession, Joe served as a field training officer, beat 14 coordinator, defensive tactics instructor, breacher instructor and LSD (light-sound diversionary device/flashbang) instructor. As a Sergeant, he played a key role in implementing the DFR (Drone First Responder) Program, helping with advance tactical safety and innovation.

Beyond law enforcement, Joe was a licensed blaster for Independence Mining Company, legally authorized to purchase explosives. He also received international football recruitment offers in Canada and Europe, which he declined without hesitation, choosing family over relocation and opportunity. He dedicated himself to coaching youth football for teams including the Thousand Oaks Titans, Thousand Oaks Lancers, and the Oxnard Knights. He believed coaching was about shaping character, building confidence, and teaching young men how to stand strong beyond the field.

An entrepreneur at heart, Joe built three successful businesses, including Auto Aces, Artistic Signs and Graphics and F21 Solutions. His signs and lighting business served major companies such as Shell and ExxonMobil. Joe was not planning on slowing down as he retired. He developed a revolutionary device for first responders to make entry into buildings. He brought his vision to life and launched the company F21 Solutions and is currently in the final stages of releasing the first product, the Javelin.

Joe began building his dream home in Priest River, Idaho, a place he always envisioned sharing with his wife, LuAnn. His greatest wish was to complete the home where they would spend their retirement together. Though his time there was brief, he accomplished this goal before passing away in the home he built, surrounded by family and the dream he worked so hard to create.

Joseph James Bentley was strong yet gentle, disciplined yet creative, and brave beyond measure. He lived life with purpose, serving his family and community with honor. He fought with courage, and loved deeply.

His legacy lives on through the countless lives he protected, taught, coached, and loved. He is survived by his devoted wife LuAnn, and his children, Breanna, Robby, Marcus, and Rachel.

Here is the link for the Zoom broadcast of the service.

https://zoom.us/j/95095969840