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James BENCH Obituary
77, of St. Petersburg, passed away Sept. 6, 2016 at Bayfront Health following an illness. Jim was born in Keystone, WV Jan. 28, 1939. He graduated from Mullens High School in 1956. Jim served in the US Air Force where he was stationed in Paris, France for 37 months. Following his service, he met, and married the love of his life, Sharon May 27, 1961. It was a love that would last his whole lifetime. In 1962, Jim began proudly serving as a police officer, and later a detective for the St. Petersburg Police Department until an injury retired him in 1982. He later worked several years as a bail bondsman for Arcos Bail Bonds in Tampa. Jim was an avid fisherman who won many bass fishing tournaments, and even a Bass Angler of the Year award. He loved to bowl, and was good enough to have been pro but instead enjoyed bowling in Christian Leagues with his beloved Sharon. He coached Little League, and was a proud and dedicated father. An accomplished musician who could read and write music. Jim was an amazing singer who used his talent to share his love of God through music by performing with several gospel quartets including, The Lawmen and The Diplomats. He loved crossword puzzles, reading, computers (building and repairing them), Church, music, helping those in need and his wife Sharon and three children beyond measure. He was an amazing, husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. His passing leaves a huge, gaping hole in our hearts. He is predeceased in death by his son, James F. Bench Jr.; his parents, Carl and Frances Bench; his brother, Paul Bench; and his sister, Carlene Cannon. He will be forever missed and is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Sharon, St. Petersburg; his daughters, Carla Fernandez, Tampa, and Michelle Bench Novak and his son-in-law Russ Novak, Kenneth City; his sister, Ellen Shrewsbury, Ft. McCoy and his brothers, John Bench, Largo, and Thomas Bench, Ft. McCoy; and his eight grandchildren, Jesse Ray King, Charles (Kent) Smith, Ashley Novak, Reanna Novak, James (Jimmy) Novak, Deven Fernandez, Sharon "Amber" Bench, Elizabeth "Lizzy" Bench; and one great-grandchild, Kaiden King. Services to be held Sept. 10 at Sorensen Funeral Home 3180 30th Ave. N. St. Petersburg at 1 pm with visitation 12-1 pm 323-5111.
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Memories and Condolences
for James BENCH
Sponsored by M Crossgrove.
Eddie Fonseca
September 3, 2023
Jim, sure miss u very much . You were my mentor and my friend. My Birthday is on the 5th of September and I always Think and pray and give thanks that I met u and had some Great times. May Godbless us all. Eddie Fonseca..386-249-1972.
CAROL HULETT
November 28, 2016
SHARON AND GIRLS SO SORRY TO HEAR YOU LOST JIM I THOUGHT OF HIM OFTEN WITH VERY FOND MEMORIES OF OUR TIMES TOGETHER. HE AND PAPA BLUEJAY ARE IN HEAVEN FISHING AND HAVING A GOOD OLD TIME TOGETHER. THEY WILL BE PAVING OUR WAY INTO THE PEARLY GATES ALL MY LOVE TO YOU ALL..........CAROL
Larry Acord
September 30, 2016
I have known Jim since he married my sister. Although we were many miles apart during the following years,I know he loved her and his family very much. We had time togeather during family visits at mom's home and I learned of his love for singing, being a police officer, and talking about anything as well as crossword puzzles. I know Jim had great faith in God and his country. He will be greatly missed and my heart is heavy for his loss. Love you sister and family
September 30, 2016
The one thing I remember most about Jim
was his incredible LOW BASS voice. He
loved to sing! I know he will be so missed by all of you and my heart goes out to you. Miles may separate us but
hearts that are filled with love are always close. I will keep you in my prayers. Linda
Laraine LaTour
September 23, 2016
I was a special friend of John back in the 60's and got to know his down to earth loving family !!!! So sorry to hear about your loss but he's in God's Hands now..Amen*
Pamela Bench
September 23, 2016
I loved Uncle Jim. He was always interested in what I was doing in my life or studying when we saw them. He seemed to come down to your level as a young person. But, he had that deep voice that was comforting. I am a Christian. I know where my Uncle is. He'd always say, your a beautiful girl. Sure didn't get that from your daddy. He would smile as my dad was frowning jokingly.
I'll miss him. But Believers will be together with God. Love and Condolences to my Cousins and family.
Niece: Pamela
Shannon Morris
September 23, 2016
Uncle Jim was the most kind-hearted man I knew. He had the biggest heart of any man I knew. I'll always remember him working his crossword puzzles and singing gospel songs. He loved my Kristian and Kristian remembers the movies he made for him. You will be missed Uncle Jim but we are humbled to know that we will meet again some day soon! Love to all!
Bill Acord
September 23, 2016
Rest in peace Jim. I don't remember life without you and my dear sister Sharon together. Thank you for loving her with all your heart.
Erica Keim
September 22, 2016
My Great Uncle Jim was a very special and kind hearted person. Even though I didn't get to see you much you were and always will be in my heart. I know you are in a much better place but it was hard for everyone to let you go. You always brought happiness wherever you went. I love you and miss you very much.
Lyn Pierce
September 22, 2016
You were a fantastic man and I am proud to have known you
Bob Tabor
September 22, 2016
It is always sad to lose a loved one in the family and a friend as well. Hold on to all the wonderful memories of him and be at peace. May God bless you and hold you in his hands. My deepest sorrow goes out to you for this great loss.
Kimberly Eastman
September 22, 2016
My Uncle Jim was a great man. I know how much he loved me and was so glad I had found happiness again. I'm so happy he got to meet and spend some time with Bill and Candice at the Bench family reunion. He thought Candice was so pretty. We will love and miss you Uncle Jim. If Uncle Jim could send Aunt Sharon a message, I think he would say....
Just because you cannot see me doesn't mean I am not there. Just because I am in heaven does not mean I do not care. I often see you crying, you often say my name. I want to hold you tight, I want to ease your pain. One day we will meet again but only when the time is right. When you step out of the darkness I will be standing in the light.
Wendy Alfery
September 22, 2016
Michelle, Your Dad loved you a lot and taught you a lot. He will always be by your side... With much love, Wendy
Thomas Bench Sr.
September 22, 2016
Jim was a great Big brother. I enjoyed his company and frienship. He went fishing in my boat one time where we were enjoying the day. I caught a small bass. He catches this 5lb bass. I looked at him and said,.God made you my big brother he's allowing you to catch the bigger fish. Its just the rules.
Hes started laughing. I thought he would fall out of the boat. Thats the kind of fun James Bench Sr. Brought to my life. He was a great brother. I know God has a wonderful new Angel. Tom, and Kathy Bench
Shirley Bench
September 22, 2016
I"m glad we got to be family, even though it was only for a few years. I wish I had gotten to hear you sing! I guess we will have all of eternity to sing together. Thanks for the wonderful example you left of a truly loving husband and a great dad and grandfather. It shows in the love they all have for you!
John Bench
September 22, 2016
Jim was my big brother. I looked up to him in many ways, and though we didn't always agree on everything we loved each other always. I will miss you, Jim, but I know we will spend eternity together with Jesus.
James Golden
September 22, 2016
Mr.Bench, was a very special friend to me. I met him and Sharon years ago at checkers. Something about him touched my heart from day one. I really looked up to him like a father. We had many special talks together and learned a lot from him. He will be greatly missed
September 22, 2016
You were like another father to me, you are deeply missed and I will always carry your loving kindness in my heart. You were the definition of kindness, always had a joke and a smile! I don't know if your family is aware of the time you visited my father's home town, (predominantly black) walked into the local hang out and said "I'm looking for Otis Wiggins, my tough as nails uncle, he has a reputation in his town for being not the one to tangle with.. Anyway, everybody looked at this large white man with a commanding voice and started backing up, my uncle was right next to him. He looked at Mr. Bench cautiously and said, who are you? He says, "I've got something to say to him!" My uncle looks.. And says, "ah hell man, I know who you are, and begins to smile, you're that crazy friend of my brother's! The whole room sighed in relief because everyone just knew all hell was about to break loose! They hugged one another and he became a legend in my father's home town. I love and will always cherish your memory Mr. Bench! Until we meet again my dear friend, I Love you!!!! Signed, Allen Wiggins jr.
Karen Adams
September 21, 2016
Michelle,
Your father has a wonderful daughter in you. Hugs!
Karen~
Mike Acord
September 21, 2016
It's a sad time for us all. He loved my sister, Sharon, more than anything and everything over their 55 year marriage. This was a Love Story that far surpassed anything that Hollywood could ever offer. He also loved and cherished his three children, his grandchildren along his latest, a great grandson. May he rest in peace eternally in Heaven.
Ronald and Doncia Franklin
September 21, 2016
Sharon and family, I am so sorry for your loss of husband, father and my friend, Jim. He was a great man and friend of mine from youth. He always called on birthdays and that meant so much to us. Please accept our deepest feelings of sorrow and sympathy. May God Bless you and your family in the time of your great loss.
Jim, spread your new Angel wings and fly high my brother!!!
Crystal Merewether
September 21, 2016
Michelle,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My dad passed 4 years ago and I still miss him daily. Just remember the good times and continue to make him proud. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Love and hugs
September 21, 2016
TO A VERY SPECIAL PERSON THAT WE NEVER WILL FORGET. HONIE YOU ARE BLESSED AND YOU HAVE BLESSED MANY OF PEOPLE. SIS HAS BEEN YOUR LIFE AND IS SO SPECIAL TO US ALSO. GOD BLESS YOU HONIE AND GOD HAS A SPECIAL ANGEL WITH HIM NOW. YOU OUR DEAR FRIEND <3
September 21, 2016
Sharon, Carla and Michelle
I will always remember the good times we all had together. I loved Jim's record's. He had such a great voice. He was a part of my life since I was a little girl. Still remember when I first met him wearing those blue swayed shoes with that flat top haircut. He was something else! I'll miss him. I'm here for you all. Much Love Jenny Lou
Jamie Lawrence
September 21, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. I have great memories of Uncle Jim. All through my childhood, when you guys came to West Virginia, we would go bowling. He was awesome!! We had great times!! Although we are far apart, I still love you guys and think of you often! You are all in my prayers.
Todd Figueroa
September 21, 2016
Dear Heavenly father, Oh Lord Jesus Christ our Lord and savior, Lamb of God and Son of God who takes away the sins of the world and grants us all peace.... I pray that you protect and keep the Bench family safe and that you guide them through this difficult time for you Called Jim home to be one of your angels in heaven too soon but he will no longer be suffering in any kind of pain. Oh Lord Jesus, Please come along side the Bench family in their pain and strengthen them through this difficult time and allow them to help others with the same struggles. May you see their troubles and grief and respond when they cry out. When they are hurting help them find their Joy in you, for it's your joy that will be their strength. May they sense your presence in this hour of need. And give Jim an everlasting eternal life in Heaven. In the name of the father, and of the Sun, and of the Holy Spirit... I pray in your name Jesus, Amen.
Mindy Smith
September 21, 2016
We always loved Uncle Jim and will remember him fondly. We'll be keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Gill Hawley
September 21, 2016
May your light burn eternally ♡
Michelle Bench Novak
September 21, 2016
Daddy...
You are so very loved and missed. I cannot believe you are no longer with us..Our hearts are broken. You were the best father I could have ever asked for and I'm so grateful God chose you to be my Daddy.. I am devastated....we will never be able to fill this tremondous void. .I know how much you loved the Lord and I know, you are in a better place, walking , free of pain. .till I see you again..x
Love you and miss you forever and ever. .
Michelle
xoxoxo
September 21, 2016
You will always be in our hearts. Sharon and family you are in our thoughts. Love you.
Sharon Bench
September 16, 2016
To my Darling husband, I miss you so much already and it has only been a few days. You were taken too soon, I was not ready for that. I love you so much and for so many years. We have great memories. I will always love you.
your wife,
Sharon
jeff winland
September 12, 2016
I knew you, worked with you, and was glad to see you the last time. You were a good officer, and well respected. I have great memories. My condolences to the family and RIP Brother.
Reanna Novak
September 11, 2016
I love you Paw Paw and I will miss you forever.
Gaby Uribe
September 11, 2016
Sharon, i am so sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers.
charles dutill
September 11, 2016
you will be missed for ever
Eddie Fonseca
September 10, 2016
To my Best Friend and Father, I will always love you and miss you. I cant believe your gone, but I know you are in a better place and with your son and family that are in Heaven. I remember our long nites repairing computers and all the jokes and stories you told me where you grew up and how you met Sharon. you have a heart of gold and the courage of a lion..I know God has taken you because he needs strong Angels. The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God.
~Quoted in The Angels' Little Instruction Book by Eileen Elias Freeman, 1994
Pastor Bob & Janet Aligood
September 10, 2016
Dear Sharon, Carla, Michelle, Russ, and many grands,
There re no words to make this okay. You have our sincere sympathy for your profound loss..
You have our respect and admiration for giving so willingly of your timer, finances, attention energy and busy lives to be present with Jim & Sharon in times of their need. You don't seem to notice because that is just who you are. You have our deepest respect and admiration as you all stood around Jim's bed saying "I love you!" Jim would say, "well done, I love you! I am with Jesus!"
Love in Christ,
Pat Herrick
September 9, 2016
God employed another Angel to help do His work. Knowing Jim for many years tells me God made the perfect choice. Jim is still with you Sharon. Take care and bless you.
Larry and Donette Arcos
September 9, 2016
Sharon and Family,
Jim was one of the "great" ones. Loved his family and faith, lived honestly and had a wonderful work ethic. All of you are in our prayers.
Donald Hyde
September 9, 2016
Knew the benchs when they lived on haines road great people come from West Va.Best too all RIP Jimmy , Donald Hyde
Patricia Scites
September 9, 2016
Ron Scites and I are so very sorry for your loss. We worked with Jim at St Pete PD for many years and remember him well. RIP Jim!!
Richard E. Sorensen & Staff
September 9, 2016
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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