Jan David Benjamin

I have many great memories of Mr. Benjamin dating back to junior high. I am close friends with his daughter Julie. Mr. B´s wit and humor are instilled in his children. I am so sorry for your loss. He was one of the greats and I will never forget his voice and character.

Dear Jill and Family,

On behalf of the HF Viking alumni community, I'd like to extend my sincerest condolences for the passing of Mr. Benjamin. Sending healing prayers and big hugs during this difficult time.

Victoria Koblick, Director of Alumni Engagement & Development (HFHS)

Moving from Chicago in 1970 and starting at Thornridge, I had no idea what career I wanted to pursue. Mr. Benjamin got me involved in Speech competition, traveling on Saturdays, and I finally won District. The speech was about senior citizens of which I am today. Going to college at Lewis, I was the Speech office secretary and I never heard a complaint from him but a joke...yes! I always admired the picture of his family on his desk of which he had great affection and something humorous to share. After graduating from college, I taught Speech and Drama to high school children for many years and some college. For me, his inspiration has lasted a lifetime. He is now with Tim Sweeney from Thornridge and Barry Kautz from Homewood-Flossmoor, also amazing examples of what teachers should be. My condolences to all of his family and friends.

Ah Mr. Benjamin .... the man was a LEGAND @ T'Ridge, and more than likely at surrounding High Schools as well.... for the program he ran. Innovative, demanding, dedicated .... no one took his "stage" that didn't understand the responsibility they carried for excellence. It was a gift. One that I, and many many others, have carried with us for a lifetime.
Thank you Mr. Benjamin, well done Mr. Benjamin

I was so lucky to have had Mr. B as a teacher and to benefit from the great program he built at Thornridge High School. Speech and Drama hold such great memories for me, and those beautiful memories were because of Mr. Benjamin.
My condolences to all of his family. He was a bright light in our world.
Nancy Stasack Matchett

When I read of his passing a flood of very pleasant memories of "Mr. B" came back to me. Countless Saturdays of gathering at Thornridge to board a bus and head to some other school for a speech tournament; the rehearsals for contest plays; set building and painting sessions in A-building; his availability in his office when I needed to talk about....whatever. His leadership meant so much to me. Those of us Speech & Theatre kids while he was heading the department should consider ourselves lucky.

Please accept my condolences on Jan´s passing. He was a dedicated teacher and colleague to many of us who had the privilege to work with him.

When my parents, who were teachers,
passed away it was heartening to read the comments from former students and see firsthand the positive impact they made. I just learned that one of my favorite teachers passed away. Mr B as we lovingly called Mr. Benjamin, helped me discover my love for theatre and communications. As the Chairman of Thornridge Speech Team, Mr. B´s impeccable coaching, appreciation of comic timing, and kind and caring demeanor, helped me and countless other students expertly and successfully compete, win, and grow. Mr. B taught us how to win and lose with grace and how to engage with and motivate a team. Even though we lost touch over the years, my current career in learning and development, voiceover, and public speaking is because of Mr B´s positive influence. What a great guy. What an incredible sense of humor. One of the best. My condolences to Mr. B´s family and loved ones. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Benjamin was a beloved and effective teacher throughout his years at Thornridge. His leadership and coaching of the Speech Team made Thornridge a consistent, top performing competitor, winning countless awards. I had the pleasure of being a member of that team and worked closely with Jan in setting up the technology for the Radio/TV curriculum. Over the years, we lost track of one another. It´s been gratifying to learn of his well-deserved retirement and wonderful family life post teaching. Jan touched the lives of literally thousands of students. And each one was enriched because of him.

So sorry to hear of his passing. Mr B was a great teacher. I remember him fondly from Speech Team and Theater at Thornridge High School. RIP. I know Mr Sweeney was there to welcome you.

May His Memory Be Eternal