James Lee Benson, age 60, of Newtown, passed away this Monday, December 19, 2011 at Yale Medical Center. Jim was born on February 1, 1951 in New Prague, Minnesota. He was the loving husband of Cecile Madeleine, devoted father of Britt Marguerite and Noelle Haley, beloved son of Elmer and Margaret Benson, dedicated brother of Jane Benson Kissner, and loyal friend to many.

Jim loved sports, the outdoors and travelling with his wife and children. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, and was lucky enough to be able to see many parts of the US and overseas. Over the years, he lived with his family in California, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Jim’s humor and easygoing manner touched the lives of many people, among them his in-laws, nieces, nephews and dear friends, old and new. He will be sorely and deeply missed by all, including Gordy and Jordan, Helaine and John, Laura and Marcel, Sofia and Nina, and childhood friends Grant Mjelde, David Danz and Mitch Hanson.

Jim was many things to many people, but he is and will ever be “Jimbo,” “Luke,” “Bens,” “Neighbor,” and “Uncle Pancake.”

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church on Thursday, December 22 at 10:30am. The Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown is assisting the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Lee "Jim" Benson, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.