James Benkovich

Jim Benkovich of Rockton passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on Monday, October 27, 2025 after a long and courageous battle with declining health. He was born in Beloit, Wisconsin on April 18, 1945, son of Boris and Virginia Benkovich.
Growing up in Rockton he had a lifelong tie to the community where he hunted, fished, played baseball and football, and delivered newspapers. Jim was very close to Hononegah High School where he met Mavis, the love of his life and wife of 61 years. Later in life he would spend 18 years on the Hononegah school board where he had family ties to graduates from 1924, 1933, 1963, 1982, 1985, 1989, and many more...
Those that knew Jim know that he had an exceptional gift to be able to relate and speak with others. He loved to talk to people, all people. It was hard work and this talent that took him professionally from the machine shop floor at Wells Products in Roscoe, IL to senior vice president of sales and then later to found and run his own advertising and marketing agency for more than 40 years.
He lived a life marked by integrity, service, leadership, and love. He was a man who built things to last - in his work, in his community, and most of all, in his family. In addition to serving as the President of the Hononegah school board Jim also was Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troup 620, was elected twice as Roscoe Township Supervisor and attended the first ever White House conference on water pollution control. He also was instrumental in initiatives ranging from local referendums to community improvements, always striving to make his hometown a better place for generations to come.
He was a man of principle and compassion. Jim never passed a stranger without sharing a friendly word or discussion
Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years Mavis, his three sons Jim Benkovich Jr (Laura), Michael Benkovich (Debra) and Aaron Benkovich (Carissa), his nine grandchildren Natasha Benkovich (James), Jim Benkovich III, William Benkovich (Abby), Brooke O'Connor (Ryan), Zachary Benkovich (Mariah), Nicholas Benkovich, Kathryn Benkovich, Evan Benkovich (Hannah), Collin Benkovich and his 4 great grandchildren Eamon Malaney, Desmond Malaney, Sophia O'Connor and Archer Benkovich, his sisters Jeanne Carlson, Julie Benkovich and Alice Shilhanek. Predeceased by his parents Boris Benkovich and Virigina (Goss), his sister Mary Benkovich.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, November 5 2025 in McCorkle Funeral Home - Rockton Chapel 767 N Blackhawk Blvd with Pastor Randy Nicholas, of the Old Stone Church officiating. Burial will be in the Rockton Township Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Tuesday.