Rev. James J. Benson

On Thursday, October 16, 2025, the Reverend James Joseph Benson, 85, closed his eyes in his favorite recliner and woke up in the presence of his Savior. Jim's life was one of service to God and others. He worked as a missionary, pastor, and chaplain for 50 years, retiring at the age of 80. Jim graduated from Boston College with a degree in business, but while working in sales, he met Jesus, which changed the course of his life. For 17 years, Jim served with the Pocket Testament League, working with urban churches in evangelism, handing out Gospels of John and leading others to Christ. He then earned his Masters in Missiology at Westminster Seminary and later served as a minister at Park Street Church in Boston, Westgate Church in Weston, and Fellowship Bible Church in Dedham. He finished his pastoral ministry as a chaplain at The Overlook senior living community in Charlton.
Jim had a heart for people, especially those in need. Much of his work was in nursing homes and hospitals, and he often brought his wife and children with him to sing and visit the residents. All who knew him would agree that he had the gift of gab; he lit up every room, greeting everyone he saw with a strong handshake and his signature "How ya doin'? Good to see ya!"
Jim was born and bred in Boston, MA and had the accent to prove it. He passionately cheered for his favorite Boston sports teams, especially the Red Sox, and knew all the shortcuts and free parking in Boston. A proud first-generation Irish American, Jim loved a good Irish ceilidh and spent Saturday mornings listening to his favorite Irish tunes on the radio.
Jim loved to make people laugh. His favorite audience for his great stories was his large, loving family that gathered frequently at the Auburn, MA homestead and at Lake Winnipesaukee for the annual Benson family vacation. Family gatherings overflowed with music, dancing, sunset cruises, family game nights, cookouts, cake, and love. Jim will be sorely missed by his devoted wife of 53 years, Mary Beth (Matson); his loving children, Jim Benson, Jr., Liz (Matt) Tahaney, Michelle (Bill) Stanton, Maureen (Peter) Wilson, and John (Jenny) Benson; and fourteen adoring grandchildren, Caroline, Emily, Billy, Grace, Carter, Joe, Andrew, Charlie, Mickey, Colin, Bethany, Claire, Johnny, and James.
Jim is also survived by his sister Bea Hill of Stoneham and many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents James Benson, originally from Collooney, Sligo, Ireland and Mary (Coyne) Benson from Melrose, MA, his sister Maureen Basile, and his brothers Joe and Bob McCabe. He is also predeceased by several beloved aunts from Ireland who helped raise him and worked hard to support his education at BC High and BC.
Visiting hours will be Friday, October 24th from 4-7 PM at the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central Street in Auburn, MA. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 25th at 9:30 AM at the Fairlawn Christian Reformed Church, 305 Goldthwaite Road in Whitinsville, MA, with interment at the Hillside Cemetery in Auburn and a reception to follow. Kindly proceed directly to church on Saturday.