James E. Benson

James E. Benson passed away peacefully surrounded by his six daughters on Sunday, April 14, 2024, following a brief illness. James (Jim) was born on October 1, 1930 to Elmer and Edith Benson in Geneva, Illinois.
Jim grew up on his family farm in Elburn, Illinois, just west of Batavia. He enjoyed the farm life with his parents and two sisters, holding on to those memories for a lifetime. He was educated in a one-room schoolhouse during his early years, always joking that he was the "smartest" one in his class, but also the "slowest" as he was the only one in his grade for a while. He graduated from Batavia High School in 1948.
Jim attended Platteville State College (now University of Wisconsin- Platteville), graduating early with a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture with a double minor in Biological Science and Social Science. It was at Platteville where he met the love of his life, Ruth Hendrickson. After their graduations from college, they married on June 28, 1953 and moved to Viola, Wisconsin where they were both teachers.
In 1958, Jim and Ruth moved to Illinois where Jim started working at the Old Second National Bank of Aurora as a teller when he quickly moved into the Agricultural Lending Department. He then worked his way up in various management departments, and in 1971 became a Director of the Old Second Bank. He earned Graduate Certificates from the American Institute of Banking in Chicago. In 1974 he was elected President and CEO of Old Second National Bank. In 1982 he became President and CEO of the holding company and in 1993 he became Old Second Bancorp Chairman of the Board where he continued until December 2003. Aurora mayor, David Stover, declared December 16, 2003 as "Jim Benson Day". In 2004 part of Middle Avenue in downtown Aurora was named "James Benson Avenue".
Jim was active in many local organizations, including: Chairman and Director of the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce, Chairman, Director and one of the founding members of Aurora Downtown, Chairman and Director of Aurora University Board of Trustees. He also served on the following Board of Directors; Governing Board of Rush Copley, Kane County Extension Services, Aurora Blood Bank, United Way, Equipto Electronics Corporation, Aurora YMCA, Aurora YWCA, and was Treasurer of West Aurora School District 129 for over 30 years. Jim was a congregation member and Council member of Grace Lutheran Church, and then became a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church where he served on various committees. Jim also was a member of the Aurora Country Club, where he enjoyed golfing until he was 87 years old.
Jim was married to Ruth for 66 years and together they raised their six girls. Jim enjoyed playing tennis, golfing, camping, fishing, traveling, playing cards, dinners and trips with his friends and family. A special trip was to Jim & Ruth's ancestral homelands, Sweden and Norway, with their entire family. Jim enjoyed weekly Sunday Harner's donuts following church and Sunday night dinners with the family. With all his worldly travels and experiences, to over 35 countries, Jim's favorite meal continued to be a good old-fashioned cheeseburger and fries from McDonald's.
Jim is survived by his loving and supportive daughters and their families, Barb (Chuck) Carson of Phoenix, AZ, Diane Benson of Geneva, IL, Janet Spears of Yorkville, IL, Karen (Jim) Hutton of Arlington Heights, IL, Beth (Jeff) Ulrich of Sugar Grove, IL, Mary (Ray) Bohr of Aurora, IL. He is also survived by his grandchildren Michael (Nicole) Hutton, Kolette (Matt) McGary, Jordan Bohr (Alec Anderson), Cally Hutton, and Katie Ulrich; four great-granddaughters, Amelia Hutton, Vivienne McGary, Madelyn McGary and Quinn Anderson and one great-grandson, Theodore (Teddy) Hutton. He is also survived by his sister, Carol (Bob) Nelson of DeKalb, IL and many nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his devoted and loving wife, Ruth Benson, his parents, Elmer & Edith Benson, his sister, Elaine Verner and son-in-law, Steve Spears.
A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Aurora, IL. Visitation with the family and lunch will be held at the Church after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Mark's Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.
Arrangements are being handled by The Healy Chapel, 332 W. Downer Place, Aurora, IL. For further information, please call 630-897-9291 or visit www.healychapel.com to leave an online condolence.