James E. Benjamin Jr.

James E. Benjamin Jr., 83 WINDHAM -- James E. Benjamin Jr., 83, of Main Street, Windham, formerly of Scarborough, passed away at Maine Medical Center on Feb. 21, 2009, of congestive heart failure. Jim was a local businessman in Stoughton, Mass. for 25 years before retiring in 1984 to Scarborough. Jim flunked retirement and joined his wife Janice and founded Beginning Roots and Little Sprouts Day Care Center in Scarborough. Together they ran the day care for 18 years. After closing the day care Jim and Jan retired again. During his final retirement Jim was employed by the Portland Press Herald. Jim's life was devoted to his family. Jim was predeceased by his son Jimmy in 2007. He is survived by his wife Janice; his granddaughter Lauren and her mother Marlene Johnson of Norton, Mass.; children Candy and Patrick Tardiff of Raymond, Robin Roberts of South Portland, Butch and Toni Cheverie of Portland, Terri and Peter Hernandez of Scarborough; grandchildren Annya and Lara Lounsbury, Matthew Braley, Neal and Bryan Roberts, Courtney and Danielle Tardiff; and close family friend Sandy Martin. A private service will be held on Feb. 28, 2009. Arrangements are under the guidance of Independent Death Care, 471 Deering Ave., in Portland. To offer words of condolence to the family and sign a guest book, go to the obituary page at www.independentdeathcare.com. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to: Windham Fire and Rescue 375 Gray Rd. Windham, Maine 04062 James E. Benjamin Jr.