James C. “Jim” Benson, 60, of Boardman, died Monday, June 27, 2016 at Good Shepherd Medical Center in Hermiston. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
He was born September 21, 1955 at Weiser, Idaho, the son of Clarence and Betty Emert Benson. Jim was raised in the mill town of Kinzua, Oregon, then moved to Heppner, Oregon when the Kinzua mill shut down. He worked at Kinzua Pine Mill in Heppner for a time before moving to Battle Mountain, Nevada where he worked for over 20 years as an equipment operator in gold mining.
In 2003 Jim returned to Morrow County settling in Boardman, Oregon to be closer to family and the Columbia River. He was employed by the City of Boardman. He established a relationship with Beverly Crum and the couple was recently married at Boardman.
He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing, especially for sturgeon in the Columbia River.
Survivors include; his wife Beverly Benson, daughters; Jessica (Walter) and Alison (Isaac) brothers Ronald and Richard, a sister Nancy, 11 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Betty and Clarence “JR” Benson.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ione Education Foundation, PO Box 61, Ione, Oregon 97843.
Sweeney Mortuary of Heppner is in care of arrangements.
