James Harry Benton

James Harry Benton was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 14, 1941, to the late James Ellsworth and Mildred Roane Benton. The third of six children born of this union, he was reared in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He departed this earthly life on Sunday, August 11, 2024. Known as "Jimmie" by family and "JB" by others, he was educated in Templeman, Virginia, graduating from Armstead T. Johnson High School, one of the first high schools built for African Americans on the Northern Neck. He was a member of the National Honor Society and basketball and softball teams and played alto saxophone in the school band. James furthered his education at Virginia Union University, majoring in mathematics. The United Sates drafted JB into the Air Force in October 1963. He was trained as a jet mechanic, assigned to the honor guard, and served in the Vietnam War. His longest assignment was in the Philippines, where he was stationed for 18 months. In October 1967, he received an Honorable discharge from the Air Force. On July 10, 1965, James Benton married Carolyn Rowe. They made their home in Richmond, Virginia, and became the parents of three daughters. He was a devoted husband, father and doting grandfather, traveling all across town to attend various sports activities and music recitals. James worked as an operations manager for Hemingway Transport and Old Dominion Freight Lines. His managerial position often required him to work out-of-state or the overnight shift. Despite the demands of his career, James took pride in providing for his family. James was an avid saltwater fisherman, collecting over two dozen fishing rods and reels. He frequented the Bass Pro Shop and the Tackle and Bait shop on Route 5. Jazz music by Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughn, and Jimmy Smith, some of his favorite artists, enriched his commute and leisure time. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn Rowe Benton; sister, Yvonne Colson; brother, John Benton; and granddaughter, Maya Hunter. Left to cherish precious memories are his three loving daughter, Monica B. Logan, Terese B. Hunter, and DeLynn B. Jones(Don); two sisters, Patricia Washington and Ada Benton-Mayo; devoted brother, Gregory Benton (Sheena); grandchildren, Jordan R. Parham (Xavier), Malik Logan (Zara), Michel Jones, Milan L. Wilson (Isaiah), Kevin Hanif Hunter , and Ciera J. McDonald (Tiara); great-grandchildren, Xavier Parham II, Xurii Parham, Xynn Parham , and Maverick Logan; sister-in-law, Lynda Benton; nieces, nephews, numerous cousins; and a faithful dog, Louie.

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James Harry Benton

June 14, 1941 - August 11, 2024