John was born on July 16, 1958, to Jack Benson and Margaret Benson Sears. He grew up in Overland Park, Kansas, where he attended Shawnee Mission South High School and later went on to the University of Kansas. John was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity at KU and considered his fraternity brothers friends for life. John went on to become an award-winning creative director, marketing strategist and writer known for his ingenious and unconventional approach. Throughout the course of his career he worked for notable advertising agencies including Fasone Garrett, Bernstein-Rein, Valentine Radford. He went on to hang out his own shingle, specializing in creative direction and consulting for a wide-ranging roster of clients and brands. In his later years, John found a second act in life that was passionately and wholeheartedly devoted to giving back to his community. He volunteered with many outreach organizations, homeless shelters, and food banks and had just celebrated a 31-year anniversary of preparing and serving Christmas dinners to the homeless. He found fellowship, friendship and support in his AA brothers, who he greatly treasured.
His zest for life was contagious, his wit and sense of fun unforgettable. He had a genuine enthusiasm for connecting people. Though taken too soon, he touched the lives of many with his generosity of spirit, big heart, ebullient personality, and great sense of humor. His effervescence will live on in those who knew him.
John is survived by his daughter, Meghan Benson, a creative living in New York; his parents, Jack Benson (Terry) and Margaret Benson Sears (Cliff); siblings, Jim Benson (Carrie), Ann Benson Shah (Ashok) and their families; uncle, Jim R. Benson; cousins Phillip Scaglia and Tricia Scaglia.
There will be a celebration of life tentatively in the summer, once family and friends are able to safely gather. Donations are suggested to Welcome House of Kansas City.
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