James R. Benn

James R. Benn, age 88, of Swanton, Ohio passed away peacefully after a long illness on December 10, 2023. He was born February 6, 1935 in Maumee, Ohio to Ferdinand Charles and Marie (Breider) Benn. James was a 1953 graduate of Maumee High School where he was a proud member of the thespian club. In September of 1953 he joined the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves, and was called to active duty in 1954. James was a cutter aboard the USS Holly Hock stationed at Milwaukee, WI. He was honorably discharged as a third-class petty officer in 1956, but continued to serve in the Reserves until 1961.

James married Mary (Davis) on June 6, 1959, and together they had three children, David, Steven, and Kathalene. He began his career with Ford Motor Company, Toledo Turbine Plant in 1974, and later transferred to the Maumee Stamping Plant where he retired in 1999 as the Plant Facility Engineer. James was an avid reader of military novels, particularly naval stories, and was a well-versed military historian, his favorite being the Civil War era. After retirement Jim enjoyed creating elaborate model train scenes and constructing model planes and boats. He was also a collector of old guns and memorabilia. Jim enjoyed fishing, golfing, and bowling, and he was a die-hard Detroit Lions and NASCAR fan. Jim also loved to cook and looked forward to feeding his fish in the pond every day.

James was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary; second wife, Sharon (Popovich); and sister, Phyllis (Charles) Speaker; nephew, Bradley Speaker. He is survived by his children, David (Robin) Benn, Steven (Julia) Benn and Kathy (Jeremy) Johnson; eight grandchildren, Christopher (Katie) Benn, Daniel Benn, Konrad, Davis, and Sophia Benn, Lindsey, Lauren, and Nolan Johnson; sister, Pauline (John) Locascio; nieces, Cindy (Dave) Gay and Dinah Picklesimer; nephews, Jason (JaNeil) Mesteller and Justin (Melissa) Mesteller; and best-friend of 70 years, Harold Borchers.

The family will receive guests on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd, Toledo. A Funeral Service will begin in the funeral home at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. Interment will immediately follow at Historic Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in James's memory be given to Heartland Hospice. The family also sends their sincerest gratitude to the nursing staffs at Elara Caring Home Health, Heartland Hospice, and the Veterans Administration for their exceptional assistance in caring for James in his final years.

To share a memory of James or to leave a special message for his family, please click the "Share Memories" tab above.