Jerome J. Benson

Jerome J. Benson, beloved husband of 52 years to Charmaigne Benson, passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2003 at the age of 74. He was at his home in Tucson, AZ with family members at his side. Father of Michele, Charmaigne, Gisele, Jerry and Peter Benson; grandfather to Alisha, Nick, Jerry Joe, Bailey and Jamie Benson; son of the late Tom Benson Senior and Carmen Benson; brother to Tom, Larry and the late A.C. Benson. After serving a tour of duty with the Louisiana National Guard and attending Loyola University, Jerome J. Benson began his automotive career in 1954 which has spanned over 40 years. He spent 14 years with Magnolia Funds, Inc. in New Orleans, in several management capacities with a final promotion to president of the company. In 1968, he was appointed President of Tom Benson Chevway Rent and Lease Company in San Antonio. He served as President of one of the largest lease and rental fleets in South Texas until his appointment in 1976 to President and General Manager of Ingram Park Motors--Chrysler Plymouth. In 1979, Benson was appointed to the position of Senior Vice President and General Manager of Tom Benson Chevrolet in San Antonio. In 1984 he became President and COO of the Benson Management Company. He was responsible for operations of the following franchises in Benson Automotive World's Texas division; Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Chevrolet, Geo, Isuzu, Honda, Chrysler / Plymouth, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and two Mazda franchises. In the Louisiana division his CEO responsibilities include franchises such as; Acura, Volkswagen, Isuzu, BMW, Chevrolet, Geo, Dodge, Jeep / Eagle, Honda, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Lincoln / Mercury, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz Land Rover, Nissan, Toyota, and Kia dealerships. He served as President from 1984 until he acquired Honda Town of New Orleans which he owned and operated until his death. He also served as a Director of Groos Bank in San Antonio, as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kelly Field National Bank, and was on the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau in New Orleans. He was also a stockholder partner and director with the National Football League - New Orleans Saints. He was a member of NADA (National Automobile Dealership Association), the Greater New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, The New Orleans International Airport Rotary Club, The Louisiana Automotive Dealers Association and the Texas Automotive Dealers Association. Mr. Benson's community involvement included the "Tejas Society" of the United Way in San Antonio, the Santa Rosa Children's Hospital, the Boy Scouts of America, the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, the San Antonio Economic Foundation, St. Luke's General Hospital, Loyola University and St. Mary's University. Mr. Benson has long been an avid supporter of the United Way and, under his direction he led Benson Automotive World to maintain the level of "Pacesetter" for many years. Jerome, along with his brothers, Tom, A.C. and Larry, also established the Free Enterprise Library at Brother Martin High School in New Orleans in honor of their parents Tom Benson Senior and Carmen Benson. A Mass and Memorial Service will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church Tuesday at 10:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers the family would greatly appreciate donations to the American Lung Association.