James Dennis “Jim” Benton, age 80 years, of Jefferson City, Mo. passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on January 22, 1939 in Jefferson City, Mo., the son of Isom and Viola (Tellman) Benton. He was united in marriage on September 21, 1974 in Wardsville, Mo. to Bernice Derkum, who survives at the home.
A lifelong resident of the central Missouri area, Jim was a 1956 graduate of St. Peters High School in Jefferson City, Mo. He then went on to study at United Electronics Laboratories in Louisville, Ky.
Jim proudly served two years in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. He received his honorable discharge in 1963 as a Private First Class.
He was employed by NCR Corporation in the Field Engineering Division from 1964 to 2001. After retiring, Jim did part-time contracting work for the Item Processing Department at Central Technology Services until 2010.
Jim was a faithful member of St. Stanislaus Church in Wardsville Mo., where he and his wife have been members for over thirty years. Jim’s love for his country made him a dedicated member of the VFW, Post 1003, American Legion, Roscoe Enloe Post 5 and AMVETS.
Jim loved the outdoors and spent a lot of time meditating with Mother Nature and her maker. He took pride in working with his hands in the garden or creating several special woodworking pieces, including an airplane swing, a rocking horse and a train car every year for Christmas. He enjoyed folk music and even played the guitar and sang. He also had a deep interest in studying American folk history. Jim’s favorite place to be was home where it was quiet and peaceful. He will be remembered for being an easy going, laid back, quick-witted gentleman that could get along with anyone. He cherished his family and always made sure to put them first. Jim instilled in his children strong values that have served them well. He fostered many lifelong friendships, for which he was grateful. To Jim, there was no greater gift than the love of friends and family.
Survivors include: his loving wife of 44 years, Bernice Benton of Jefferson City, Mo.; two sons, Kendall Benton (wife Kristy) of Jefferson City, Mo. and Travis Benton (wife Sara) of Jefferson City, Mo.; one brother, Bill Benton of Troy, Ill.; and five grandchildren, Kendra, Joel, Braylee, Kambrie, and Carlie Benton all of Jefferson City, Mo.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Margaret Jobe and Mary Ann Andrews; and four brothers, Harold, Delbert, Howard, and Thomas Benton.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:00 am Friday, May 17, 2019 at St. Stanislaus Church in Wardsville Mo. with the Reverend Medina officiating. Graveside service and interment with military honors will follow at the Mausoleum of the St. Stanislaus Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Stanislaus Church and Goldschmidt Cancer Center.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.