James W. Benton

Jim was born on September 8th, 1928, son of Oscar Benton and Mona Brinager. He grew up in Owensboro, KY where he was the youngest of three brothers, Elmer and Oscar and one sister, Marie. James, Jim, Jimmy, Willy, Billy, JW, and Bullmoose were some of the many nick names he was tagged with over the years.

He served in the United States Army and then went on to graduate from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing and Business Administration and a minor in Industrial Relations and Psychology.

Barbara S. Thomas became his wife in 1961 and the family moved to Michigan where they raised their two daughters, Lynn and Damita. He enjoyed Michigan outdoor recreation with his family including snow skiing, snowmobiling, boating, and water skiing.

He loved to garden (always trying to grow the largest of some vegetable) and had a passion for food. Family and friends have all enjoyed a bite of the delicious turkey, ham, or ribs that came off of his smoker. Picture taking was a favorite hobby and he was never without a camera in hand to capture the special moments. He was an avid horse racing fan, enjoying the art of handicapping.

Spoiling his five grandchildren was something he did naturally. They always knew Grandpa had the candy bowl!

Always the character of the crowd, he had a generous, warm spirit and was loved by his family and friends.

Survivors include daughters, Lynn “David” Raney and Damita “Stan” Johnson both of Louisville, KY; Five grandchildren, Jennifer Blackburn, Crystal DeBord, Chelsea Owen, Garrett and Whitney Johnson; Two great grandchildren, Braden and Kelsey Blackburn.

A gathering of family and friends held 11:00 am with a memorial service at 12:00 pm on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at Southeast Christian Church, 920 Blankenbaker Parkway, Louisville, KY 40243.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Bay Pines VA HCS, P.O. Box 5005, Bay Pines, FL 33744 please note in memory of James W. Benton - Dialysis Unit.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st Street North, Seminole, FL 33776 / 7273-391-0121.