James Charles Benevides

I just learned today of the passing of Jim Benevides from an old National Guard friend.... I first met Jim back in 1970 when we stood next to each other in basic training at Fort Gordon, Georgia. Jim and another teacher friend, Lee Attibit stood 1-2-3 in line up through Basic Training to AIT... we were all from an Army National Guard unit in Alameda, Ca. We pretty much served our entire 6 years together. I remember Jim as being such a stand up guy, always doing the right thing for others...

I know that I am very late for this. Coach/Mr.B was one of my favorite teachers ever.He was a big hearted man.Tough when he had to be.Knew how to talk with kids from all races.Always wanted to thank him for kicking me in the butt when I needed it and grading me B's when I thought that I deserved an A!Rest easy Mr.B!

Jim was my vice principal at Houston Middle School and he helped me thru some issues with friends and made things better for us. He was always there when you needed him. He was caring to the students but yet we all respected him and when he said "FREEZE", you did. He knew how to be tough when he needed to and when to be caring. I will never forget him and have a heavy heart for his family as I know they have lost a very special person.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I first met Jim at Live Oak School where my son attended then as he went on the Lodi Middle,(Senior El). He was always there for my son. He gave my son self confidence and saved him from the bully of the class. Jim was always willing to help behind the scenes and always had humor and a smile on his face. My son is longer with us so now maybe he can return the favor to Jim and help him feel welcome in the Heavens above.
May Angels attend you during...

I first met Jim when we were in college and later again when he moved to LUSD. He was the principal at Lodi Middle School when my two younger children were students there. He had an unusual passion for education and was midful of who he really worked for - students. He was able to create a positive learning environment and disciplined students through a genuine concern for their welfare. Kids conducted themselves appropriately because they didn't want to disappoint "Mr. B". He was loved...

Jim was an inspirational and loving person, I had the amazing experience to have known him as a mentor from first grade until I left middle school. He was very hands on with us children and took care of both me and my sister throughout our early education years. He provided nurturing guidance, laughter, and insight to our lives daily. My favorite memory with him was lining up before class started each week on the front lawn at Live Oak School and after the Pledge of Allegiance, he would...

Being around Jim was always delightful and a learning experience. In our conversations I found Jim's insight to be both humorous and down to earth. Although I never had the opportunity to work for him, I enjoyed the times on the basketball court or the softball field that we had. As an educator, it was always a treat to get into a conversation with him to see a point of view that I probably had not taken the time to see. He made many of us better at what we did. He will surely be missed.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Jim's family. I had the pleasure of knowing Jim as a fellow administrator in the Lodi Unified School District, He was the rarest type of school administrator - one who loved working with kids enough to put this as his top priority instead of constantly trying to move up the ladder. He will be missed by all who have been touched by his honest efforts to improve schools, particularly by students whom he worked for. Jim - you touched many on your journey...