James Benton

James “Jim” Henry Benton, 79, longtime Grayland resident and former armed forces medic and civilian welder passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at his Grayland residence.

Jim was born on April 25, 1944, in Tacoma, Washington to Edward and Mary (Palko) Benton. Graduating from Clover Park High School in 1962. Shortly thereafter, in 1963, Jim joined the United States Army where he trained as a medic. He served the military for the next 24 years, retiring in 1987. He was stationed in many places throughout the world such as: Turkey, Korea, Vietnam, Germany, and Egypt. His stateside locations include Georgia, Minnesota, Washington, and Virginia. After his military career, Jim went back to school, graduating from Grays Harbor College with a degree in welding. He began working with Westport Shipyard, eventually becoming the lead welder and retired in 2008 after 20 years.

Jim was a member of Trout Unlimited, B.A.S.S. (The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society), Washington Bass Association, Coastal BassMasters, and was a lifetime member with Westport VFW Post 3057.

Jim’s passions were bass fishing. He competed in numerous tournaments in Banks Lake, Potholes Reservoir, and Roosevelt Lake, where he won many trophies. He took first place titles in tournaments from 1997-2004 on Riffe Lake with Coastal BassMasters. He enjoyed building boats, especially when it came to the success of his fishing. Over the years, he traveled to Montana for annual hunting trips, and was an avid pool player. He was on a team with The Pine Tree Tavern.

Jim is survived by his twin brother, Mike Benton, of Oroville, Washington; brothers: John Benton, of Seattle, Washington; and Edward (Debby) Benton, of Grayland, Washington; sister, Marian Davis, of Oakville, Washington; cousin, Steve Benton, of Tacoma, Washington; 5 nieces and nephews; 5 grand nieces and nephews; 5 great grand nieces and nephews; and 5 great great grand nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Cheryl; parents, Edward and Mary Benton; sisters, Patty Prankard and Donna Benton; and brother-in-law, Don Davis.

A celebration of life with military honors will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 2:30 PM located at Westport VFW Post 3057. 211 Pacific Ave E, Westport, WA 98595. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Benton, please visit our flower store.