James W. Benson

James W. Benson, 88, of Benton Heights, went to meet his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at Royalton Manor in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 10:00 A.M. Monday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Rev. Kevin Perthuis & Rev. Robert Confer officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma, with military rites performed by the North Berrien Military Rites Team. Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 until 5:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to First Church of God-Benton Heights. Those wishing to sign Jim’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Jim was born June 18, 1925 in Kennett, Missouri to William & Etta (Jackson) Benson. He served his country during WWII in the US Army, stationed in Europe, and it was there that he met and married the former Elisa Lisette Lamot, on May 25, 1946 in Antwerp, Belgium. Jim was employed for fifteen years at New Products in Benton Harbor, and twenty-five years at Whirlpool, retiring in 1987. He was a member of the Benton Heights Church of God, a twenty-five year member of the Benton Township Planning Commission and served as Benton Township Supervisor from 1978-1980, served as President of School Board for Martindale Schools. Jim was a co-founder of the Benton Heights Athletic Association and coached Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball for many years. In his earlier years, Jim played in the Rhythm Ramblers Band and toured and played bass with Skeeter Davis for several years. In his spare time, Jim enjoyed camping and fishing. He will be remembered as a kind, patient, giving, accepting man, devoted to his Lord and his family. Jim is survived by his wife Elisa Lisette Benson; his children-Elaine (Jack) Blakeman of Berrien Springs, Jim (Debbie) Benson of Sodus, Janet (Rick) Nimtz of Sister Lakes; eight grandchildren-Chris, Kerri, Ben, Jennifer, Cory, Brandi, Jeremy & Kelli; fourteen great-grandchildren; and his sister Beulah Berry of Kennett, Missouri, and his brother Murell Benson of Donovan, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Leon Benson.