Obituary of James H. Benton

James Howard Benton passed away on March 24, 2018 at age 97. He was born Sept 12, 1920 in Apex, North Carolina. He spent his childhood in Apex where he delivered groceries for his father's store, and "assisted" with the telephone switchboard. He genuinely enjoyed growing up in Apex and attending Apex Baptist Church with his family. Jim attended college at North Carolina State before he left to enlist in the service for WWII. He attained the rank of Captain in the Army Air Corp and flew 50 missions in the war. He returned to and graduated from NC State and spent his career as an architect in Charlotte, NC. Jim's many interests included working in his shop, attending church, gardening, golf and tennis at Myers Park Country Club. He was a member of the Singing Christmas Tree in its early years, singing bass in the choir. Jim was also an active member of the Lions Club. He enjoyed piloting his pontoon boat around Lake Norman with his companion dog Greta and his wife's cat, Ms. Frances. His favorite travel experience was visiting Europe with his best friend Dr. Eugene Owens, "the most influential person in my life." Jim was preceded in death by his parents Lillian Jones and Howard Carroll Benton, his siblings; Bruce, Margaret, Talmadge, Bobby; his infant daughter Susan Leigh, and his first wife, Jeane Keeter. He is survived by his children; Carole Whittington, Jimmy (Kathy), Geoffrey Gantt (Wally), two grandsons Steve and Chris Whittington, and his wife, Nancy Anne Courtney Benton and her three children; Amelia Price (Rich), Karen, and Tripp. The family wishes to thank the staff of Sharon Towers for their compassionate and genuine daily care of Jim. Thanks go out also to Hospice and Palliative Care ( Charlotte Region) for their end of life attention to Jim. The family will have a private service. Memorials may be sent to Sharon Towers Resident assistance Fund at 5100 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28210.