James R. Benedict

CHARLESTON -- James Russel Benedict, age 79 of Charleston, died at his home on Tuesday, April 4 (2006). The Funeral Mass celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday (April 8) at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Tenth and Jefferson Streets in Charleston. Father Joseph Ring will preside. Visitation will be Friday (April 7) from 4:00-7:00 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:45. In accordance with Jim's wishes, following the Funeral Mass his body will be cremated and Inurnment will be in St. Stephens Cemetery in Flora, Illinois. Arrangements have been entrusted to Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Jim was born January 21, 1927 in Pinckneyville, Illinois the son of George and Minnie (Boquillon) Benedict. He was united in marriage to Rosalie M. Stuerzenberger on July 26, 1951 in Chester, Illinois and they celebrated forty-nine years together before her death on August 3, 2000. He is survived by two daughters, Kay Wheeler and Anne Pagliai and her husband Paul, all of Charleston; eleven grandchildren, Tony Beurskens, Tim Beurskens and his wife Mindy, Patrick Beurskens, Nicholas Beurskens, Amanda Kralik and her husband Jim, Jeff Wheeler, Becky Widegren and her husband Kyle, Charlie Wheeler, Bradley Wheeler, Rosie Lozano and her husband Dan and John Pagliai; one great grandchild, Emma Beurskens; a son-in-law, Hank Beurskens of Charleston; and one sister, Wilma Cohlmeyer of Texas. He was preceded by his parents; his wife; a daughter, Ellen Beurskens; and a brother, Herman Benedict. Jim was a member of the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Charleston; Knights of Columbus Charleston Council #4024; Charleston Elks, B.P.O.E. #623, Charleston Country Club and was a Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Paul McVey Post 1592 of Charleston. He was a Veteran of the United States Army proudly serving his country from 1954-1956. Jim retired as Manager of the University Union Food Services at Eastern Illinois University and later was the Manager of the Charleston Country Club. Golf and playing cards with friends were two of life's enjoyments for Jim. But his greatest joys were experienced through his family, whom he treasured and dearly loved. His grandchildren knew he was their biggest fan in whatever activities they pursued, and could be counted on for his ongoing support and encouragement. His love was abundantly returned by his children and grandchildren and they along with his many friends will fondly remember the kindness and sense of humor that accompanied the warm and gentle smile of this special man. In lieu of flowers, Jim's family requests that Memorials in his honor be made to The Coalition for People in Need. Gifts may be left on the Memorial Table at the Visitation or Funeral Mass or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.jg-tc.com and click on obituaries.