James "Jim" Frank Lenertz
1947 - 2026
James “Jim” Frank Lenertz, a devoted father, grandfather, musician, and veteran of the road, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, surrounded by the family who loved him fiercely. He was 78 years old.
Born in Austin, Texas, in 1947 to Cecile and Oscar Lenertz, Jim grew up in Port Lavaca, Texas, alongside his sister, Joan. Raised by a nurse and homemaker mother and a father who owned a local auto parts store, Jim developed a lifelong curiosity and a passion for media. He attended the University of Texas, graduating with a degree in Radio and Communications.
While attending college, Jim married Sandra Joy Alexander, and together they welcomed twin boys, Kevin and Jeff. After graduation the young family relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Jim shared his passion for media by teaching video production and radio at the University of Tulsa for a number of years. He later married Renee Kelley, and their family grew with the births of three more sons, Jeremy, Caleb, and Adam. The family moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where Jim utilized his talents creating training and production films for TRW.
In the 1980s, Jim’s unique expertise caught the attention of the music industry. He received a call to film rock bands on the road — a pivotal moment that launched a thrilling chapter of his life. Jim spent the next two decades traveling the world on tour with legendary artists including Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, and Sting. He shared several platinum albums for his work with Genesis.
While his career took him around the globe, Jim’s heart was always rooted in his family and his own creative expression. He was an accomplished guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He regularly attended songwriting workshops, crafted beautiful songs dedicated to his children, and was a familiar, welcoming face at many local open-mic nights.
Later in life, Jim found his enduring partner in Maggie Benedict, with whom he spent the remainder of his years. Jim helped Maggie manage an Italian Greyhound rescue with love, caring for “Iggies” as well as a variety of other dogs that came to the rescue. As many of his children and grandchildren had relocated to the Carolinas, he and Maggie moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Jack Benedict, Maggie’s brother, also lives there and he and Jim were fast friends, working on songs, playing guitar and trading stories.
Jim considered his greatest role and deepest blessing to be that of a father and grandfather. He fiercely loved his five sons and stepdaughter Zoe and took immense joy in watching his legacy grow to include 9 grandchildren, Elisabeth, Elise, Celia, Lukas, Chase, and Davis, Kai, Garret and Jane and his great-grandchild, Lydia.
May the Lord in his infinite love support and peace continue to look over Jim’s family, as he would want
One of the kindest and most genuine souls I have ever met. I was blessed to call Jim a cousin and friend. Your light will never dim, you touched so many lives. May we live up to your example. Love you forever 💓
I met Jim at the Swannanoa Gathering. I loved his singing and his songs. But more than that, he was just a beautiful person to be around. RIP maestro x
Jim and I met when we were still teens. I had just graduated high school and he was about to start his beloved UT in a few months. He loved his music and I remember seeing his band perform and how great they were. I remember when he told me his mom had passed away and how devastated he was. We lost touch when he left for college and life took us on different journeys. Many years later we reconnected on Facebook and messaged from time to time. I enjoyed reading his writings he posted. He was so proud of all his kids and so devoted to Maggie. Jim was a wonderful person and a true gentleman. My condolences to his family.
Jim, May peace be with you always! Thank you for all the knowledge you shared with me in live event productions. One of my favorite moments on-site with you was when the Dalai Lama came to the University of Arkansas. I was the producer but young. Things were not going how I wanted during load in. I pulled you aside, we spoke about the issues, you provided guidance and then looked at me and said, you are the QB here, call an Audible and stay firm on what you need to happen. I’ve carried that memory and applied that to other aspects in life. Thank you
Scott Turner
We should all be so lucky to have lived so much during our lifetime.
I met Mags and Jim when we adopted Italian Greyhounds from the rescue. You both changed our life forever. My heart breaks to hear that we have lost a great man and that my dear Mags lost her love.
Jim was one of the kindest and most loving men I have ever known. From the very beginning, he always made me feel welcomed, loved, and embraced as part of the family. He had such a gentle heart, a beautiful laugh, and a warmth that made everyone around him feel special.
One of the things I admired most about Jim was the deep love and care he had for his children, grandchildren, and the people he loved. The way he spoke to others, cared for others, and made time for people always left me in awe of the kind of man he was. Every time I saw him, he would go out of his way to make me feel seen, valued, and cared for. In so many ways, he became a father figure to me and a wonderful grandfather figure to my children.
I will never forget his kindness, his laughter, his gentle spirit, and the love he gave so freely. I feel incredibly grateful for the memories and conversations we shared, especially during these last few weeks. He will always hold a special place in my heart.
May God watch over him in heaven and bring comfort and peace to all who loved him. Jim was truly a special man, and he will be deeply missed and forever remembered. I love you, Jim. Sophea