James Harvey Benson, Jr.

October 11, 1957 to August 1, 2023

JAMES HARVEY BENSON, JR. was born in Middletown, Delaware on October 11, 1957, to the late Mary Francis Benson and James Harvey Benson Sr.  He peacefully transitioned from labor to his eternal rest on August 1, 2023.

James, affectionately known as “Jay” received his early education from Louis L. Redding in Middletown, DE. Later the family relocated to Wilmington, Delaware where he attended Delcastle Technical High School, graduating in 1975 with a major in automotive technology.

Jay had an outgoing personality and made friends easily.  After moving to Wilmington, he became great friends with his neighbor Robert “Spike” Davis.  This friendship would be life changing. After being introduced to Spikes sister, Patti, he fell in love with the girl next door, and they became inseparable.  On September 19, 1980, they were joined in marriage and from this union was born James Harvey Benson III and Candace M. Benson.

Jay was an amazing father, loving husband and a great provider for his family.

He began his career working many years for Stauffer as a chemical operator and was later employed and retired from Volkswagen of America where he earned the nickname Big Baby.  Jay enjoyed music, family outings, and vacationing in Atlantic City. Some of his favorite pastimes were fishing, watching NASCAR racing and football.

Introduced to Christ at an early age, over the years, he attended several churches, and liked to read and listen to the Word of God.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents Mary Francis Benson and James H. Benson Sr., sisters B. Annette Blake, Charlotte Benson, Ada Benson, Gloria Benson, Constance Saunders; brothers Robert Ash and Alan Ringgold; in-laws Reverend Perry L. Davis, Jr, Jerilyn Marshall, Bonita Richardson, and Ronald Davis.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Patti Benson; 2 children, James Benson III and Candace Benson; 2 grandchildren, Autumn Benson Williams, Camren Benson, 5 sisters; Marilyn Benson, Janice Garrett and husband Felix, Marjorie Fields, Patricia Groce and husband Josh, and Sandra Cooper; 1 aunt Delores Benson-Jackson; Maxine Ash, Wilbert Saunders, Claudette Ringgold, Brinton & Pam Davis, Kenny & Doris Davis, Robert & Kathyrn Davis, Francis & Carolyn Roy, MaryEllen Benson, Richard Davis, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

A celebration of his life will be held on Monday August 14, 2023 at 11am, viewing 9-10:45am, Mother UAME Church, 701 E. 5th Street Wilm., DE 19801. Interment, Silverbrook Cemetery.