Jack Ellsworth Benjamin

October 10, 1923-September 25, 2011

Jack E. Benjamin passed away Sunday, September 25, 2011 at the age of 87. He was born on October 10, 1923 in Merced, CA to Grover C. and Dorothy Benjamin. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Dorritt Ervin; and two brothers, Dan Benjamin and Bob Benjamin.

A lifelong resident of Merced, Jack attended local schools, graduating from Merced High School in 1941. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy (SeaBees) during WWII. He worked for many years with his brothers in the tire business, and retired from C&S Motors in 1985.

Jack is survived by his lifelong love, wife of nearly 64 years, Phoebe; and four sons, Jack and his wife Debbie, Bob and wife Alyse, Dan and wife Debbie, and Brian and wife Trina. He was a loving Grandfather to Danny, Julia, Sarah, Leslie, and Ashley.

Jack and Phoebe loved taking the boys camping and fishing, and on family vacations. Later, they enjoyed traveling to many destinations with their travel trailer, joining friends in the California Drifters Group. After their retirement they enjoyed traveling around the United States and abroad, including visiting Phoebe’s relatives in Ireland.

Jack left impressions on many, including the kids he worked with in the youth group at the United Methodist Church of Merced. He assisted the less fortunate in the community by volunteering for many years with the Salvation Army program to feed the needy. For several years Jack helped cancer patients by driving them to their appointments. His positive and kind spirit touched many. He cherished his friends in the Masonic Lodge, his hunting partners, the “guys” in the poker group, and his “recycling buddies”.

Jack was thankful for his life, and so are we who loved him.

The Benjamin family thanks the wonderful staff at Park Merced Assisted Living, Hinds Hospice, Dr. James Jones and staff, Satellite Dialysis staff, Dr. Dan Ikemiyashiro, and JH Medical Transport for the loving and compassionate manner in which they cared for Dad.

A memorial service is to be held on Sunday, October 2, 2011 at 3:00PM at the United Methodist Church of Merced, 899 Yosemite Parkway, Merced. A gathering of friends and loved ones will follow in the church fireside room. Burial will be private. Per Jack’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Hinds Hospice, 410 W. Main Street Ste. A, Merced, CA 95340, (209)383-3123; the United Methodist Church youth group, 899 Yosemite Parkway, Merced, CA 95340, (209)722-5777; or Habitat for Humanity of Merced, P.O. Box 423, Atwater, CA 95301-0423, (209)726-0850, would be greatly appreciated by the family.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.