Jamie Jessica Benton

Jamie Jessica Benton, age 63, of Littleton, Colorado passed away on Wednesday, September 19, 2018. She is preceded in death by her parents and her former husband, James Van Meter. Jamie is survived by her sister, Georgiana (Arthur) McConnell of Littleton, CO; nephews, Aaron (Hisae) McConnell of Albuquerque, NM, Nathan (Danielle) McConnell and their son, Rowan of Highlands Ranch, CO, Andrew McConnell of Littleton, CO and Sean McConnell of Denver, CO; and other loving family and friends.

Jamie Jessica Benton was born at Rose Memorial Hospital in Denver, CO on Saturday, November 6, 1954 to India Juanita (Cox) and James Clark Benton. She grew up in Littleton and was an alumna of Arapahoe High School there.

Jamie entered the US Army and opted for assignment to the Signal Corp in Korea. She was often in the field for as many as three weeks, including periods where the temperature dipped to -40 degrees. As a result, she repeatedly suffered from double pneumonia. She loved learning about new cultures and extended her stay from a one year to 18 months.

Later, Jamie worked in the secretarial pool of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium as a civil servant for Generals from all over the world. She received many awards and her work was greatly appreciated. During her three years there, she was able to travel and see Europe at a leisurely pace.

Still later, Jamie worked for the United States Postal Service as a Mail Carrier for about 12 years. She resigned and received disability benefits due to health problems including Multiple Sclerosis and COPD exacerbated by the health issues she encountered while in Korea. Though it was difficult to deal with her pain and fatigue, she returned to school and received an Associate Degree in Humanities.

Jamie’s health continued to diminish, but she tried to live life as well as she could. She eventually qualified for 100% Disabled Veteran benefits. She had intense compassion for wartime veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with heartbreaking injuries.

Jamie was interested in many subjects and belonged to many organizations helping people, animals and the Earth. She was an intelligent, sweet, feisty, independent woman with a keen sense of humor and voracity for reading and politics. She was good at mimicry and accents, loved to travel and enjoyed antiques.

Despite her declining mobility, Jamie managed to remain close to several very dear friends and they were so helpful to her. Her beloved cat, Lily was her constant companion.

Due to her failing health and decreasing ability to care for herself, Jamie spent her last nine months in the home of her ever-faithful sister Georgiana. She enjoyed being part of a family again and especially loved seeing her four nephews, their wives or girlfriends and her great nephew, Rowan.

Though she finally accepted Assisted Living residence, Jamie survived there barely a week. She died of pulmonary and cardiac failure secondary to sepsis at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, CO on Wednesday, September 19, 2018. Jamie was determined that she would never live in a nursing home and she got her wish. She is likely chuckling about that now.

We all pray that “Aunt Jane” is in God’s loving arms. No more pain, no more oxygen tubing… just GOD, love, and peace.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, 6601 S Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121, followed immediately by a committal service in the cemetery. A Celebration of Life Reception will follow.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerchapelhill.com for the Benton family.