We both worked with Jim at Tops Markets years ago and have fond memories of our time  together. So sorry to hear of his passing. God bless his family during this difficult time. 

  Although I have not seen Jim in many years, my memory of him remains vivid. He was a gentle giant of a man who possessed a quick wit, a ready smile and a disarming personality. Jim was a man without pretentions who I am sure never had an enemy. His spirit and love of life will surely live on
for many generations through his beautiful children and then someday through their children. My condolences to the entire Bene family.

Hi my name is Jill Harvey from Buffalo, NY and I had the pleasure of working with Jim back in his college days at Buffalo State college.  I worked at Wilson Farms ( a local convenience store) with Jim where he was the manager. We were Not only co-workers - we became good friends!! I was like a mom to him ( he only needed his mom - though I felt compelled to be his “other” mom at work- lol)
My husband & I were visiting family in FL approx. 15 years ago & Judy & Jim we’re gracious enough to open their home to us for a visit while we were in town.
Jacqueline had just been born & Jameson & Jesse we’re little clones of their daddy.
How BLESSED he was.
It is with a heavy heart my husband & I extend our heartfelt sympathy to Judy, the children, Jim’s parents & extended family for your loss.
Apparently GOD has a bigger plan for Jim. 
Though our hearts are broken - hold on to all the happy, memorable, loving moments you have shared w Jim and his spirit will truly shine down upon us all!! 
He will truly be missed!!
Our sincere condolences & May GOD BLESS!!!
Love, Stephen & Jill Harvey & Family XOX❤️

Dear Judi, Jameson, Jess, and Jacqueline,
Jim was a rare treasure of a human. I do not think of him as “married to family.” He will always be family to me in the truest sense.  One of my earlier memories of Jim is when we went canoeing through the alligators in Florida, how we laughed! Jim was a great listener.  He was always present in the moment, a quality so many people lack. He  seemed to get so much from seeing others have a good time too. I always felt this on our visits.  So many good times in Florida, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.  He was overflowing with love, laughter, and generosity. Please know my heart and mind are with you all. We send our love to wrap around you.
Love from Dawn, Jay, Vin, and Joe

I have many wonderful memories that describe the type of person Jim was. The one I love best is one that demonstrates the type of father he was. Many years ago Vin and I flew down to surprise  Judi for her  birthday.  Jamison and Jess were little toddlers at the time.  There had been heavy rains that week, remnants of a mild hurricaine.  Jim knew how much I wanted to be able to spend time with Judi and with small children, especially toddlers, any restaurant experience is difficult at best for parents. ..this occasion was no exception. But Jim being Jim, he didn't even show one moment of aggravation or frustration. Out of his abundance of kindness for his wife's birthday and rare visit with her CT cousin, Jim told us to take all the time we wanted and not to give it a second thought. Jamison and Jess had a blast running up and down the isles, Jim calmly walked behind his active little sons and other restaurant guests appeared to enjoy the great example of parenting by a young father... When we were  outside getting ready to  leave and  say goodnight, Judi said better "change" Jess before we leave. With such wet weather, I asked where ? Jim scooped Jess up in his arms and big tall Jim laid a towel down on the sidewalk , bent to the ground level and proceeded to take care of business  appearing as routine as poring a glass of milk..  parenting came as natural to him as waking or sleeping! 
Some newcomers to a family never quite fit in, or you never quite feel that you get to know them. When Jim married Judi, and we all became priviledged to meet him , it felt as if we knew him all our lives; his sense of humor, his love of family, his sincerity when he spoke to me , he always made me feel I'd known him all my life. If I had written down a list of every quality I would have wanted a prospective husband for Judi to have, it would have included every single quality that made Jim Bene the amazing person he was. How blessed to have known Jim. RIP.

Dear Judi and kids,
I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Jim's passing.  The Shea's are so sorry for your loss. Your husband and father was an amazing man!  Whenever I have reflected on my years coaching basketball with Jim, I can only smile and picture Jim's warm smile.     Jim was so   calm, gentle, positive and nurturing with our young girls. He was a tremendous   coach and an amazing teacher.  The kids loved him.  For those who have had the privilege of coaching with Jim, know that Jim was a competitor.   Jim loved to win, but never at the expense of the girls' well being.   My best memories of Jim were when we won games that we were out talented by another. I can still see the girls jumping around as we pulled out a 10-9 win. Jim would take pleasure watching the girls celebrating and then look at me with a sneaky little smirk, his eyebrows gently raised.  and a proud   simple statement "That was a good win "   I think I can say with confidence from our East Greenwich family.   We were all so lucky to have had Jim touched our lives, if even for such a brief period; and our world is a better place because Jim Bene   travelled through it.
Our prayers are with you.
Tim


Dear Judy and Family, 

Jim was one of the happiest people I've ever known, so many smiles, so much humor, so much life.  So very sorry for your loss, he will be truly missed, he is a blessing to anyone who knows him, a true ray of light in this sometimes difficult world.   

With deepest sympathies, 

Mike Galley and Family 

Dear Judy and family,

We express our deepest sympathies as we know that you all had a very special relationship. Judy, you often spoke very warmly about Jim and your family which always struck a note with me whenever we happened to share our personal lives in between all the lesser important business discussions.  Thinking about you today as the Neutrogena family always finds a way to unite as our hearts reach out to those who were such a great part of our lives. We offer our prayers and strength.

Fondly,

Marc & Bernadette Papillon


Dear Judy and children,
Some people walk into a room and fill it up with warmth and a beautiful smile...that was Jim!  Having been with him only several times, I was sure we’d known him forever...it’s a gift!  And he possessed it!  God rest his soul and keep you and your beautiful family in his arms!  Our deepest sympathies!  
Love, Kathy and Don Schreyer 

Judy & Family,

I was so sad to learn of Jim's illness just recently, and equally so upon his passing. I have not seen Jim in many years but despite the time passed, he was on my mind daily upon hearing he was ill. Special people you meet in your life have a way of sticking with you and your memories. Jim was that kind of person and I will remember him and the years we all ran together fondly. I recall Jim taking the time to send me a card upon learning of my daughters illness, many many years after we lost touch.  My thoughts are with you and your family. I hope these words and so many others you will receive provide some comfort during this difficult time .

Don Colligan 

Dear Judy
I was so sad to hear the news of Jim’s passing.  My deepest sympathies for you and the family. You are in my prayers and I will offer Mass for the repose of his soul.  Eternal rest grant unto him and may perpetual light shine upon him.  
Fr. Bernie Healey 
Our Lady of Mercy Church 
East Greenwich RI

Dear Judy and family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Jim was a great friend of David's. Always remember his sense of humor. Hope your loving memories will help keep you strong in this very difficult  time.  I am deeply sadden for all of you .
Sincerely , Maureen Paar

Judy and children.  I didn't know your husband/dad well but met him on several occasions with Danny.  I'm so sorry for your loss.  There are no words to comfort you at this time as I know all too well having lost Dan so recently.  But, you are all strong and he would want you to be strong.  I'm praying for all of you during this difficult time and in the future as well.  God bless you.

With affection,

Maria Fahey

OBITUARY

Jim Bene

September 7, 1963 – October 8, 2018

Blount & Curry Life Event Center

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services