James was born in Dover, NJ to the late August and Gertrude (Conn) Bencivengo. He was a proud Veteran serving in the United States Navy from 1962 to 1966. James was a Pharmaceutical Operator for Novartis Pharmaceuticals prior to retirement in 2003.
James was a former coach for the Newton Little Braves baseball and football teams. He was an avid golfer and played Santa Claus for many Hackettstown service organizations. James was a member of the American Legion Post 164 in Hackettstown, the Newton VFW Post 5360 and the Hackettstown VFW. He was also a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and the Moose Lodge in Hackettstown.
In addition to his parents, James was also predeceased by his sisters, Sharon Scudder, Arlene Hendershot and Anne Marie Sexton; and his brother, John Bencivengo. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jenney (Straway) Bencivengo; his son, James S. Bencivengo, Jr. and wife, Melissa; his grandchildren Nicolle, James (Paddio), and Gianna; his brothers, August Bencivengo, Jr. and wife, Beverly, and Nicholas Bencivengo and wife, Connie; and his sisters, Sandy Bartek and husband, Ray, and Linda Aranda and husband, Andy.
Visitation will be held from 4 pm to 8 pm on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St, Newton, NJ. Funeral Services will be held at 11 am on Friday, February 23, 2024, at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Newton Cemetery, Lawnwood Ave, Newton, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in James’ memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306.
Online condolences may be offered at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.
