James Russell Benoit

1942 - 2025

James Russell Benoit, 83

James (Jim) Russell Benoit passed away at his home on December 4, 2025. Jim grew up in Sandpoint, ID. His senior year he went to St. George's Prep (boarding) school in Spokane, WA and graduated in 1960. He attended Princeton University in N.J. and graduated in 1964. After college, he attended Hastings College of Law and passed the California BAR in 1968. Jim served from 1968 to 1972 as an active-duty JAG officer in the U.S. Air Force and then in 1972 continued in the reserves until 1988 to complete 20 years, retiring as Lt. Colonel. He would have stayed longer but was elected President of the Santa Rosa West Rotary Club and wanted to devote ample time to his presidency.

Jim served active duty at Kelly AFB, San Antonia, TX and two years at Iraklion AB on Crete, Greece. His last year of active duty, he served at McClellan AFB in Sacramento, CA. During that time he scouted out places he would like to live and begin his private law practice. He settled in Santa Rosa and not long after setting up practice met and hired a young local woman (Lynn Deanne Cook), who soon became his wife. Jim and Lynn were married August 9, 1975.

Jim was a highly respected attorney in Santa Rosa for nearly 50 years. He was a member of Santa Rosa West Rotary Club for over 40 years. The center of Jim's life was his family. He served as coach or assistant coach on many teams for his adored sons and he never missed any of their games or events. Lynn and Jim enjoyed trips to Europe and generally spent two vacations a year in Sandpoint, ID where Jim grew up.

Jim leaves Lynn, his caring wife of 50 years, his cherished sons Justin and Bradford, his daughter-in-law Christina, grandson Finnigan and a granddaughter Melody. He also leaves nieces, great nephews, and many dear friends. He will be missed wholeheartedly. He was truly a gentleman, a kind and honorable person. He was very much a health enthusiast who did not deserve to contract Parkinson's and all that he endured during his decline with that disease. Join the family in the celebration of his life February 1 at 1:00 p.m. at Iron and Vine at the Santa Rosa Bennett Valley Golf Course. Appetizer reception will follow. Donations in his honor can be made to The Parkinson's Foundation or to Providence Hospice of Santa Rosa.