Jan Benjamin Obituary
David received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Indiana State University where he studied speech communication, radio/TV production and theater.
After graduating, he taught high school students in Evansville, Indiana, and Dolton, Illinois. He was chair of the Speech Department, taught classes, coached speech completion teams, developed a radio/TV curriculum, and directed plays and musicals, such as My Fair Lady and King and I. David and his speech students won many state and national awards.
Upon retirement, he started his own video production business, Main Event Video Productions. Filming weddings, dance recitals, ice skating shows, graduations, and even the live feed for the Chicago Jazz Festival for over 200,000 spectators in Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois, was a passion for David, while providing families a keepsake for generations.
David and Carolyn moved to Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head, SC, in 1997, where he continued his video business in the Chicago area and in the Low Country. He also enjoyed riding his bicycle on the beach, playing tennis, supporting Chicago sports teams, and collecting coins.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 2, at 3:00 p.m. at TidePointe senior community at 301 TidePointe Way, off Point Comfort Road.
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90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC 29910
People and places connected with Jan
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Sue Woolley-Steiner
September 1, 2023
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.
Victoria Koblick
August 31, 2023
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)
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Karla Korff Sullivan
August 28, 2023
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.
Robert Pizante
August 28, 2023
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
Nancy Stasack Matchett
August 27, 2023
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
Gary J, Mion - TRHS Class of 1971
August 27, 2023
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.
Jim Clark
August 27, 2023
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.
Lynne Magnavite
August 26, 2023
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.
Guy
August 26, 2023
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.
Thomas Collins
August 26, 2023
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.
Nick Bobis
August 26, 2023
May His Memory Be Eternal
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