The Yakima Valley lost a true legend Oct. 8, 2019. James Gordon Benoit Sr. passed away peacefully at the age of 94 with his son Jim Jr. and wife Lisa by his side. Jim was born June 22, 1925 in Yakima, WA to Frederick and Anna Benoit. Jim, a devout Catholic, attended St. Joseph Grade School and Marquette High School.
After high school in 1943, Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in the 3rd Amphibious Corps, formerly the 1st Marine Division. Due to Dad’s mental and physical strength, and qualifying expert in rifle and pistol, he was selected to be a Marine Raider of the 3rd Amphibious Corps. Dad made seven amphibious assaults on islands in the South Pacific. Guadalcanal, Kwajalein and Guam, to name a few, were some of the islands Dad and his brothers in arms took while meeting heavy resistance from the Japanese. Dad was set to go in the first wave to mainland Japan when the U.S. dropped the atom bombs on Japan. The 3rd Amphib was then set to liberate northern China from the Japanese, Dad said that it took three months to disarm the Japanese. “They were not very cooperative.” During Dad’s two years in combat, he was promoted to Corporal.
When Dad returned from the war, he met and married the love of his life, Dorothy Hoffman. Mom said, “I saw your dad coming down the sidewalk to his parents’ home in his dress blues, and I told everyone that’s the man I’m going to marry!” Together they had four children and 61 faithful years together until Mom passed away in 2011.
Dad had his own fish market, Aleutian Seafoods, but was convinced to try sign sales. Dad worked for Heath Northwest sign company for years as a division manager of sales, Dad was always the top salesman, year after year, winning many awards. Dad said he had a wonderful boss, James Smith.
From the time Dad was three, up until his passing, he was admired for his strength and athleticism. To train for football in high school, he would go to his relative’s farms in the summer and pull the plow, instead of the horse. His siblings, throughout the years, would talk about Dad’s physical and mental strength and his faith in God and country.
Dad went both ways on ice skates, playing pro hockey and at the same time skating in ice shows on figure skates. Often he pair-skated with Suzy Benoit. Dad also excelled in handball, playing the nationals 5 times. Dad held many local and state titles, but the one that Dad talked about most was his brother Larry and him becoming the state master doubles champions, Dad was in his 60s. “Never bet against the Benoit brothers,” was a common statement at tournaments.
Dad spent the last 30 years of his life helping those less fortunate. He made hundreds of children’s dreams come true at Christmas. He never turned down a person in need.
Dad was preceded in death by his wife, parents and 12 siblings. He is survived by his four children, David (Heidi) Benoit, Michel (Horatio) Slawson, James Jr. (Lisa) Benoit, MaryAnn (Ed) Shildmeyer; younger brother Larry, numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dad feared nothing or any man. He was a Marine ‘til the end. A man like him comes along but once in a lifetime and I am so glad it was in my lifetime, as I am sure so many are, whose lives were touched by him.
Semper Fi, Dad. You are a true hero and legend.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lynchpin, a local, non-profit serving the children and teens of Yakima. (His grandson Shay works there.) Also, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Dad was passionate about helping children and wounded veterans.
Visitation will be Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2019 from 4-8 pm at Keith & Keith Funeral Home with Vigil at 6 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul Cathedral, Thursday, Oct. 17 at 10 am followed by a graveside service at Calvary Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com.
