James Benton Souders

James Benton (Ben) Souders passed away over the Thanksgiving holiday after a long illness. "Benny" was part of Long Beach's "Greatest Generation" of men and women who grew up in Long Beach in the 1940's and 50's and remained in the city to make it a great place to live, work and raise families. Born in El Dorado Kansas in 1931, Ben and his family moved to Long Beach in 1940. A 1949 graduate of Long Beach Poly, Ben played baseball at Poly and went on to star for Joe Hicks at Long Beach City College and then was an outstanding pitcher for Fresno State University where he graduated in 1953. After his college baseball career he became an elite softball player for the Long Beach Nitehawks and Lakewood Jets among other teams.

Ben was proudest of his 30 year career with the Long Beach Fire Department and served as the cities Fire Chief from 1984-88. As a long time teacher of Fire Science at Long Beach City College, Ben was a leader and mentor to many young people and inspired them to join the brotherhood of fire fighters. In retirement, The Long Beach chapter of the American Red Cross was Ben's favorite charity and he served on their board for a number of years.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Joan, a son Jim and stepchildren Steve Fleischmann and Lori Lindsay. All of his extended family will miss the wisdom, wit and guidance of "Papa Ben". Graveside services will be private but his friends are welcome to join a celebration of Ben's life at Phil Trani's Restaurant in Long Beach on December 11 at 3PM. In lieu of flowers please contribute to the Long Beach Fire Department Search and Rescue or the Long Beach branch of the American Red Cross. Please sign the guestbook, www.presstelegram.com.

Published in the Long Beach Press-Telegram from Dec. 3 to Dec. 8, 2017