James H. Benninghoff, 99, of Fort Wayne died on Sunday, March 26 at Stillwater Hospice, Homestead Road. Born in Fort Wayne on June 20, 1923 to Howard Benninghoff and Ellen Margaret Doyle. Jim was a 1941 graduate of North Side High School and in 1945 received a BS degree in Public Business Administration from Indiana University, Bloomington where he was a member of Sigma Chi National College Fraternity. As a financial consultant, he retired December 31, 2000 after 44 1/2 years from Solomon Smith Barney (Morgan Stanley). He was a member of the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Embassy Theatre, The History Center, Arch Inc. and Arts United. Jim was a former member of Plymouth Congregational Church where he served as an usher and on the Board of Trustees. Survivors include a daughter, Lori L (Art) Chokenea of Fort Wayne; and a son, Michael J (Kelly) Benninghoff of Naperville, IL. He leaves behind five grandchildren, Andrew (Madeline) Chokenea, Sara (John Michael) Petrie, Sophie, Skylar and Stella Benninghoff; five step-grandchildren, Connor, Christopher, Catie and Caden Curry, Courtney (Kyle) Lee; and two step-great grandchildren, Silas and Aria. He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, S. Colleen Smith Benninghoff in 2005; and sisters, Mary B. DeWald in 2021 and Marjorie J. Ninde in 1970. Private family service and burial in Lindenwood Cemetery. Preferred memorials may be made to Fort Wayne Rescue Mission, Community Harvest Food Bank or donor's choice.
