James "Jim" Benson

James “Jim” Henry Benson, 74, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family.  He was born in Cass County in North Dakota on January 18, 1946 to the late Henry Edmund and Hazel Dolores Nesset Benson.

Jim was a member at St. Pius X Catholic Church, American Legion in Burlington Post #63 and the Knights of Columbus.  He retired from the Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency where he was the Senior Loan Officer.

Jim was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend to many.  He always brought a smile to people’s faces through his many stories, jokes, dancing or other antics.  After retirement he returned to his farm boy roots when he did some ranching in Texas.  Later, when he and Mary moved to North Carolina, he developed a passion for learning more about his ancestors.  He was very proud to have traced his ancestors back to the early Vikings.  SKOL!!!

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Mary Colleen Pendergast Benson; children: Russell Benson and wife Jennifer, Shelly Halpern and husband Daniel, Paul Benson and wife Medora, and Kevin Benson and wife Kristen Hansen; grandchildren: Amelia Benson, Aidan Halpern, Ashley Halpern, Alayna Halpern, Barrett Benson, Bjorn Benson, Brygg Benson, Kaia Benson, Wynn Benson and Nicola Benson; sisters: Diane Burks and husband John and Victoria Maddock and husband Brian; and brothers: John Benson and wife Nancy, Joel Benson and wife Alicia and Jeffrey Benson and wife Kay.

A memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at 11:00 am, officiated by Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio.  The family will receive friends after the service outdoors at Shelly Halpern’s home in Whitsett from 2:00 – 4:00.  Burial will follow at a later date at North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, ND.

Memorial donations may be made to your local American Legion, your local Knights of Columbus and/or your local hospice.

You may sign the online register book at www.lowefuneralhome.com.