James De Benedictis

Jim was born on Long Island, NY, on December 9, 1947. He moved to Ormond Beach, FL in 1960 and attended Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School; Father Lopez High School, graduating in 1966 and Daytona Beach Junior College, graduating in 1968. From there, Jim pursued his Bachelor’s Degree at Florida State University, graduating from the School of Business in 1969, with a degree in Finance.

Jim entered the U.S. Army, serving his country from 1970-71 at Fort Hood, TX. After his service he returned to FSU to pursue a Master’s Degree in Finance. In 1972 he secured employment with the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, as a Savings and Loan Examiner, until 1976.

In 1977 Jim received his Master’s Degree in Finance from FSU. Jim then worked for several years as an accountant and became a licensed CPA. He worked as a CPA in New Smyrna Beach until 1981, he then went to work in the office of the Comptroller of the State of Florida until 1985. Before moving to Tallahassee in 1981 he married the love of his life, Linda. It was there that his daughter Sara was born in 1985. Later that year they moved to Atlanta, GA, as Jim returned to the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, as a Supervisory Agent. He was ultimately appointed as the Assistant Regional Director. Jim retired in 2008 after a successful career for the Federal Government.

In retirement, Jim enjoyed surf fishing, off the Neptune beach approach and sharing fish lies…er…stories with his “retirement buds.” As a true Son of Italy, he especially relished his backyard garden, often sharing his “bountiful crops” with grateful neighbors and those in need. In recent years, Jim discovered the joys of hiking and climbing mountains...especially 14’ers in the Rockies of Colorado and the Tetons of Wyoming. Jim and Linda loved to travel and experienced firsthand, many of the world’s wonders.

But it was spending time with his much loved family and his many friends, when his mischievous personality would surface, with hilarious results that Jim particularly enjoyed. Jim will always be remembered as a loving husband, a devoted father, a doting grandfather, a wonderful brother, a favorite uncle and a loyal friend. His presence will be greatly missed.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Mary S. De Benedictis. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Linda, of Ormond Beach, FL and his daughter, Sara Nolin and husband Jeff, grandchildren Henry (Hank) and Olivia (Ogie), of Auburn, AL.

Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Jane Watkins, her husband David, of Daytona Beach, FL; nephews Steven Watkins, his wife Michelle and their children Ryan Ashley and Nathan, of Debary, FL and James Watkins, his wife Meagan and their children Luke and Cooper, of Atlanta, GA. As well as many cousins and extended family.

A visitation is scheduled for Saturday September 24, 2016 from 10:00 A.M. ~ 11:00 A.M. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, located at 600 South Nova Road, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11:00 A.M. in the Church. An inurnment will take place at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at a later date. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.volusiamemorialfunerals.com