James Velton Bench

A celebration of life for James "Tot" Velton Bench will be held Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. graveside at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery near Stonewall and Tupelo, OK.

James Velton Bench was born January 16, 1939, to Emmitt and Eula (Doyle) Bench. He passed away Friday, December 5, 2025, at his home in Canadian, OK, at the age of 86.

James was born in Hinton, OK. After high school, he joined the U.S Navy, serving on the USS Reaper and Pledge from 1957-61. Upon the completion of his service, he utilized his skills and talents in various industries including, but not limited to, oil & gas, sandblasting, and painting. He retired upon the sale of his company, Cote-Rite in Oklahoma City, which specialized in powder coating of metals and alloys.

James enjoyed spending time with family and friends. With his quick-wittedness and charisma, he never met a stranger and could turn any frown upside down. James was an active volunteer amongst the local communities in which he lived and the Choctaw nation. In 2020, James was recognized by Chief Batton as the first Choctaw Veteran of the Month.

James was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan as well as an admirer of the Oklahoma State Cowboys. He had many hobbies across his life span, including boating, fishing, water skiing, gardening, working in his shop, and reading. As James got older, his gardens got smaller, crappie fishing moved to the dock, and he enjoyed visiting Native American historical areas and museums with his best friend and adored partner, Jan Dawson. His favorite roles in life were being a Dad, a father-in-law, and ultimately a papa (pronounced pawpaw-this is just a note for B.J.).

James is preceded in death by his parents, his son Dustin Bench, his two brothers, Jerry Lee Bench and Bennie Eli Bench, and his sister, Ima Jean Sweazea.

James is survived by his partner Jan Dawson of the home, his daughter Jamie Gonzalez and her husband Harold of Yukon, and his two grandchildren, Emery and Maximus. He is also survived by two brothers, Olen Emmitt Bench of Kirbyville, Texas, and Johnnie Joe Bench and wife Carolyn of Calvin. Lastly, he is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

Services will be under the direction of Brumley-Mills Funeral Home and officiated by Dr. B.J. Bench. Pallbearers will be Harold Gonzalez, Mark Bench, Sonny Gathers, Cory Gathers, Willard White, Trevor Herrian, and Travis Herrian. Honorary Pallbearers will be Maximus Gonzalez, Jason Young, Larry Parrish, and the late Larry Bench

Online condolences may be made at https://www.brumley-millsfuneralhome.com/obits

To send a flower arrangement in memory of James Velton Bench, please click here to visit our sympathy store.