James Marvin Benton

James Marvin Benton, 85, passed away on June 26, 2020 surrounded by family. He was born on May 24, 1935 to Marvin Benton and Joe Sherer Benton in Norfolk, Virginia. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Dorothy “Dot” Benton. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Adell Benton; his daughters, Tracy Benton Berke (Matthew), Molly Benton Echols, and Amy Benton Tunmire (Danny); his grandchildren, Benton English Echols, Howard Samuel Berke, Noah Benton Berke, Kadee Lee Tunmire, Lizzie Brown Echols, Aiden Isaiah Berke, and Max Vaughn Tunmire.

James was an electrician and a member of the IBEW Union #136 for 65 years, a member of the Masons, Lodge #506, and a Shriner. He served in the Alabama National Guard in the Corps of Engineers. James was a member of Grantswood Baptist Church.

He married Adell Mullins of Clanton, Alabama in 1968 and together they raised three daughters. He was a private pilot and loved to fly. He could fix anything. He had a great love for his farm and his cows. He loved to fish and to plant things, especially his blueberry and blackberry bushes. He loved his kids and grandkids unconditionally. He lived his life to provide for his family, working as far as Alaska on the pipeline for months at a time.

James will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. The family will receive friends on Monday, June 29, 2020 from 1-2 pm at Elmwood Chapel Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will follow at 2 pm. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery.