James L. Benner
March 2, 1936 - May 5, 2019
James L. Benner, 83, of Newark, DE returned to his heavenly home in the arms of Jesus on May 5, 2019 after a valiant battle with a long illness. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God carried him through a long and happy life and ultimately gave him peace.
James worked for Chrysler for over 42 years and retired in 2001. In his younger years, he worked with his father at Benner Brothers Plumbing in Ohio. He was one of the founding members of Friendship Baptist Church as well as a deacon, Sunday school director, and teacher. James enjoyed music, playing his guitar, and he loved to sing. Also, in his spare time, he loved working on cars, fixing many things and spending time with his family.
James was born to the late Jesse V. Benner and Marzella E. Benner, in Portsmouth, Ohio on March 2, 1936. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jesse Virgil Benner and Darryl Benner, and his nephew, John Combs.
James was blessed with a large and loving family and is survived by his loving wife, Rosetta (Coleman) Benner of 63 years; his three daughters, Carolyn Snyder and her husband Terry of Middletown, DE, Susan Connell and her husband Robert of Elkton, MD, Sheila Stecher and her husband, Edward, of Bear, DE; his three sons, James Benner and his wife, Kelly, of Auburndale, FL, Jesse Benner and his wife, Sharon, of Newark, DE, and Joseph Benner of Newark, DE. James was the proud grandfather of 16 beautiful grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Flo Polk of St. Petersburg, FL, Bonnie Bertram of Ohio, Diana Kritzwiser of Ohio, Connie Martin of Ohio and his brother Bruce Benner and his wife, Donna of Ohio; as well as his many brother-in-law’s, sisters-in-law’s, cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends.
The viewing will be held on Thursday, May 9 from 5pm to 7pm with services beginning at 7pm at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark, DE 19711. The burial will take place at the the Green Coleman Family Cemetery in Shelbiana, KY on Tuesday, May 14th.
Memorial donations may be made to Friendship Baptist Church, 2200 Glasgow Ave, Newark, DE 19702.
Tracey De Nofio (Lawler)
To the Benner Family,
I am very sorry for your loss of a great man!! I am very heartbroken, but also glad that he is no longer suffering.
My fondest memories of Mr. Benner was always working on one of the cars, mowing the lawn, or talking to my dad for hours about something that happened at Chrysler or something/someone in the neighborhood. My dad and Mr. Benner were 2 peas in a pod. He was a very good neighbor, was always looking out for the kids and other neighbors. He helped me get my car started (even though my mom and dad didn’t tell me about a switch) he seen me out there trying to start it, he immediately came over, he looked at a few things and realized there was a starter switch… and off I went! I just had gotten my license and he always told me to be careful when I would go out. We had a very special way of saying “Hello”, he would always whistle to me and I back to him. When I seen him last I did that and he smiled. Mr. Benner was very loving and always had time for everyone, and if you needed something he was there, he will be truly missed by all that loved him.
Sending prayers to all of you at this time,
God Bless you and may you RIP Mr. Benner, and until we meet again
Tracey De Nofio (Lawler)
Krista McCrea
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Elizabeth G Boles
I am sorry about your loss but,God has a plan and Jim is in that plan. We have to remember the time we had the love he had for each of us,until we meet again. God bless all of you
Darenda Olsen
My thoughts and prayers go out to you all! 🙏🏻 I loved my uncle Jim so so much!😢 I will miss that sweet smile and that laughter ! Gary and I will see you all in Kentucky on Monday! Love you 💕💕🙏🏻
James Keatts
Stecher & Benner family,
I know I didn’t have the chance to know Jim for quite that long. I only had a little over 5 years to know the man you all call pop. It was through that time that I have been able to see how much of a God loving and how sweet of an old man he truly was. There are a few memories that he has left embedded in my memory. The first was on thanksgiving in 2013 when I first met you all. I remember walking into your house for only my second time and as I walked into your kitchen I seen every man in your family standing tall in line together. The first persons hand that I had shaken that night was your pop. From that firm hand shake I knew he was someone who would do anything to make anyone happy. That handshake is the one that I will never forget. My second memory is my first time I ever went over to their house on the very first Christmas I spent with you all. I remember him reading the story of Christmas to all of the grandchildren and just being as joyful a man can be on Christmas. My third memory was in your kitchen. I remember talking to him and your mom mom about Baton Rouge Louisiana and the church they would go visit. It was really nice just listening to their stories about the experiences they’ve had. He is truly a God loving man to look up to. Even though I have only had what seems like only fraction of time spent with the man, he’s left an impact on how I want to live my life. It’s kind of crazy because in just a few short years he’s the one man that I am inspired to become. In a way, I look up to him and idolize him because he reminds me of my pop who passed in 94. Just always remember that no matter where you are in this world, your pop is looking down on you. He is always with you. He is always guiding you. Most of all, he is still alive! He lives within the hearts of each one of you! He will never be gone or forgotten.
I love you and I am here for you all when you need me! Always will be!
Love, James
Sharon Lyon
I am so sorry for your loss. I haven’t seen uncle Jim in a long time. I do remember how sweet he always was. I know he will be missed greatly. You all are in my prayers. Love you all.
Pauline Taylor
My love thoughts and prayers to all the family from across the pond. I send you strength
Joyce Maphet Urkew
I was so sorry to hear of Jimmy passing. Iam sure he will be in heaven with his dad and his aunt lena ,garnet ,roy and red they all will be watching down on all of us.
Susan Lawler
To the Benner Family:
I am so sorry about your Loss. Jim was a super nice man. He will be missed. I will always remember him and my husband Dennis outside
talking about things happening in the neighborhood. May God Bless Him..
My thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
Jim, R I P
Susan Lawler
next door neighbor