James Benjamin Dalton

Muncie – James B. (Benny) Dalton, age 73, passed away on Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020, at his residence surrounded by his family. Benny was born in Muncie on September 5, 1946, the son of Charles William and Ella (Eggers) Dalton. He attended St. Lawrence Catholic School and graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1964.

Benny started working at the young age of eight selling newspapers on the street corner and for several years had a nightly paper route with his siblings that included over 100 customers. He was always a hard worker and during high school took on many jobs while going to school. Upon graduation he worked at Chevrolet-Muncie and became a supervisor in 1969—a position he held until his retirement—and also owned and operated Court Jester in the Village. After retirement, he could be found back at the shop helping out during critical times. Benny also owned and operated Landmaster Landscaping and City Lights following his retirement until his illness in 2014.

He was a member of UAW #499, Sunrise Rotary Club and Business Networking International. Benny always enjoyed a cold beer, cuttin’ a rug, a good joke, Elvis Presley, and spending time with family and friends. He was always a loyal servant of the Lord by helping his friends and neighbors anytime he could.

Benny is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 37 years, Mary Kay (Hannon) Dalton; his three children by his first wife Judy (Mitchell) Doody, Jim Dalton, Kokomo; Julie Moore (husband John), Muncie; and John Dalton (wife Kelly), Fishers; his daughter by marriage, McKensie Monroe (fiancée Adam Sorrell), Muncie; seven grandchildren: Seth Moore, Zach Moore, Josh Moore, Sarah Moore, Madison Dalton, Emma Dalton and Ethan Monroe. He is also survived by three brothers and a sister: Dan Dalton, Muncie; Bill Dalton (wife Carolyn), Selma; Mike Dalton (wife Pam), Oregon; Marcia Ringhand (husband Darrell), Eden, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents and several family members and friends that he treasured dearly.

The family would like to thank Mindy RN, Dr. Allan and his wife Cindy, and Dr. Megan Zelasko all of Internist Associated; Dr. Hal Dixon, Neurology of Eastern Indiana; Dr. Jeremy Hunt, CIO; Dr. Jonathan Schmidt, IU Ball Memorial Otolaryngology; Dr. Yunjie Lin, Dr. Adesola Awolomo, Lauren NP, Stacy NP, Pharmacist Beth and all of the staff at IU Ball Memorial Hospital Cancer Center; and Heart to Heart Hospice. Your care and compassion were greatly appreciated. Special thanks to schoolmate and friend, Father Dave Hellmann, for the bedside chats and prayers.

My chains are gone, I've been set free

My God, my Savior has ransomed me.

Like a flood, His mercy rains

Unending love, Amazing Grace.

Out of respect for personal and public safety, private immediate family services and burial will be held at Elm Ridge Funeral Home & Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 820 East Charles Street, Muncie IN 47305.

Online condolences can be given at http://www.elmridgefuneralhome.com. The family would appreciate a note or story about Benny that you would like to share. Mary Kay had a special song she played for Benny, I’ll Be Seeing You by Billie Holiday. Life is precious. Cherish all of the special moments in your heart and find memories in even the simplest of things.