James V. Benedict

With a heavy heart, we mark the end of an incredible life. James V. Benedict, age 81, passed away February 23, 2022, at home in San Antonio, Texas surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on December 14, 1940 to Imla James Benedict and Evelyn Antonini Benedict, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife Catherine (née Cassagne) and sons James George Benedict, Michael Barton Benedict, and their families. He is also survived by sister-in-law Judith Fowles, nieces and families, two great nephews, and wonderful, loving, extended families in New Orleans, New York, Tokyo, Tampa, Clearwater and The Villages. Jim attended St. Anthony school and Jesuit High School in New Orleans, and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in El Paso, Texas. He graduated with honors from Tulane University's School of Science & Engineering in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, and then completed his MS in 1966 and PhD in 1969, also at Tulane. Jim and family then moved to San Antonio Texas where he served as engineer and manager for Technology Incorporated, and worked on NASA's Space Program. Jim returned to his education and received his Doctor of Medicine degree in just 3 years at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in 1976. His postgraduate medical studies were done at Bexar County Medical District. Jim then went into private practice, operating clinics in Floresville and San Antonio. He greatly enjoyed his family practice, and his patients. Over the years, he was increasingly asked to provide retrospective analysis of automotive collisions and determination of the forces that affected the vehicle occupants. In 1986, he founded Biodynamic Research Corporation (BRC), a consultancy specializing in accident reconstruction and biomechanical analysis, and remained devoted exclusively to this work for the remainder of his career. Under his leadership, BRC became the premier provider of rigorous, data-driven explanations of kinetic events to clients, influencing design and safety practices, improving scientific understanding and informing legal decisions. Jim loved his BRC family and truly enjoyed the daily challenges of growing the organization. He was also known as a true "car guy," and enjoyed his trips to Austin to hang out with other car devotees, as well as participating in numerous racing schools. Jim had many professional affiliations, served on numerous committees, and received many honors and awards, most notably the A. J. Mirkin Service Award for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine. He gave lectures and authored or co-authored numerous publications in leading academic and research journals. He also taught a graduate class in mechanical engineering at the University of Texas in San Antonio. After his retirement in 2012, he and Cathy enjoyed traveling to Crested Butte, Coronado Island and visiting family in New Orleans and NYC. The family would like to extend special thanks to Duncan McCarroll, MD and Juan Ramirez, MD for their help, guidance and support. Also to Holy Savior Hospice, Melinda Rodriguez, Javier, J, and the rest of the staff for their tireless and caring efforts. Finally, a very special thank you to AA Health Services, and especially Rebecca Campos, who took such wonderful care of Jim. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, or to a charity of your choice. Memorial Service: Saturday, March 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m., Porter Loring North Chapel.