James Oscar Benson

Jim was born in Dubois, PA on March 1, 1933, he was the son of the late Oscar Benson and Arveta Thompson Benson.

After graduating from Harbor Creek High School, Class of 1951, Jim began working at Tanner Manufacturing in Erie. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon his return, he went on to get his degree in Drafting and Design at Penn State Behrend. In 1953, Jim married his high school sweetheart and together they raised their four children, moving to Fairview where Jim began working at Parker White Metal. There, they stayed for 35 years while Jim coached and managed Little League Baseball, became his sons Den Master in the Cub Scouts, and filled the role as Sunday School Superintendent at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Girard, PA where he raised his children to know and honor God.

Always a lover of horses, Jim surprised his family in 1964 by bringing their first pony through the front doors of their home! Horses have been an important part of the Benson family ever since. From that, Jim went on to breed, train and show International Champion Roadster and Fine Harness Ponies. He served as President of Ponies Unlimited, Intercounty Horseman’s Association, Interstate Horseman’s Association and manager of the Greater Erie Rotary Horse Show.

Jim was honored with the Alumni Fellowship Award of 1995. He was a member of The Laurel Circle, The Mount Nittany Society, The Presidents Club, The Pioneer Club and a Lifetime Member of the Penn State Alumni Association, as well as the founder and first President of the Penn State Behrend Alumni Society. A firm believer in the importance of education, Jim and his wife established the Jim and Gerda Benson Trustee Scholarship to help with the educational costs of promising young engineering students. In 1996 he helped to launch the engineering program through philanthropic investments and in recognition, The Benson Building, at the west end of Behrend Campus, bears his name in his honor.

Jim was a 33 degree Mason, Lawrence Lodge #708 Erie, PA, and a member of the Zem Zem Shriners and the Scottish Rites. He was active in the Rotary Club and was the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award. A man dedicated to hard work, Jim was Co-Chairman of the Board of PHB, Inc. and CEO of Parker White Metal Company in Fairview PA. In the early 1960’s Jim co-founded Reddog Industries. Benson is currently the Chairman of the Board of Hazard Control Technologies, of Fayetteville, GA.

In Jim’s so called “retirement” years, he made numerous trips to the Caribbean on his beloved boat, the Windstar with friends and family. He loved scuba diving for lobster and deep-sea fishing, enjoying his life to the fullest. Jim’s legacy has positively impacted the lives of many. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

Jim is preceded in death by his two sons Rick and Rob. He is survived by his loving wife of over 64 years, Gerda Beaumont Benson and two daughters, Debbie Benson and Jan Benson Thompson. Other survivors include his two daughter in-laws, Sandy Benson and Gerry Benson, his brother, Don (Joan) Benson, two brother in- laws, Henry (Kaya) Beaumont and Fred (Sandy) Beaumont and sister in-law Betty Beaumont, six grandchildren, Neil Thompson, Kelly Thompson Whitney, Casey (Rob) Russell, Bryan Benson, James Benson and Shannon Salisbury and three great grandchildren, Alaya and Colton Russell and Jordyn Whitney. At his request, there will be no services held. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 or www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org. Online condolences may be made at www.aycockfuneralhomejupiter.com.

In loving memory of our Papa Jim Benson……..

It is with tremendous gratitude and sadness that I write this. I have been blessed with the divine privilege of having one of the greatest men on earth as my very own grandfather, friend, and mentor. Not only has he provided me with some of the most wonderful memories I could ever imagine, but also lessons and values I hope to pass on to others.

Aside from instilling a forever love of western movies, he taught me to always persevere-with a vengeance. Don't just be, be the best you can. He taught us to respect others, but trust only those who proved worthy.

He always stood up for me and grew my confidence- even if I may have been mistaken. He never judged our decisions, but found a lesson to be learned- "well, now what?" He'd ask, always listening to our countless ideas, encouraging us to give anything a try.

I am positive he has touched innumerable lives and his legacy will never be forgotten. Invaluable technology and wisdom has been introduced into this world because of his ingenuity and determination. He has truly left this world in better shape than he found it.

I am eternally thankful for the memories, stories, distinctions, awards, achievements, wisdoms, attitudes, smiles, tears, laughter, and hugs which fabricated the extraordinary man whom he was. I will always remember his quiet strength and humble pride- with a whisper, he could tame vicious seas.

Stand up for what you believe in and always lend a helping hand. Know where you come from and constantly improve. Become valuable and take pride in everything. I could go on and on, but there are not enough words- so, let's just go fishing.