James Edward (Jim) Benoit was born June 5, 1941, the second son of 9 children born to Adelard Joseph Sr. and Angelina (Tavera Cavallo) Benoit in Fall River, Massachusetts. His brothers and sisters included Adelaid Joseph Jr. (Chuck), deceased; Patricia (Pat) Tiexera; Carol Manchester, deceased; Ray, deceased; David, deceased; Dorothy Kershaw; Susan Benoit; and Thomas Benoit, deceased.

He grew up in Fall River, MA where he attended both Catholic and public schools. He worked part time to help support his family.

In June,1960, Jim joined the Air Force. His first duty station was Whiteman Air Force Base near Knobnoster, MO. Jim served 20 years in the Air Force, working in communications and retiring with the rank of Master Sargent in June, 1980.

Jim met Doris June McCannon while at Whiteman and they were married September 30, 1961, in Warrensburg, MO. Two children were born of this union- Karen Lynn Drew Crittenden and Donna Marie Antal (Steve).

Other career areas after retiring form the Air Force included farming, being an electrician, being a maintenance manager and a bus manager for 19 years at Sherwood-Cass R-VIII School District, serving Creighton, Urich and Blairstown, MO.

After selling his farm near Windsor, MO in 2006, Jim moved to Springfield, MO, marrying Barbara (Means) Moss, his current wife. They enjoyed entertaining family and friends and traveling, including wintering in south Texas at Palm Shadows RV Park and Resort in Donna, Texas.

Jim was an avid beekeeper for over 50 years. He was a member of the Bees Alive Club, mentoring new beekeepers in the area.

Jim passed away on March 13, 2024, at the age of almost 83, after a long illness. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, two daughters, two stepchildren and their spouses, 10 grandchildren including 3 step grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren; nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations in James’ honor are suggested to be made to the Diabetes Association or the Parkinson’s Research Foundation.

Services for Jim include a Visitation on Friday, March 22 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Greenlawn Funeral Home East. Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Saturday, March 23 at 10:00 am. Burial will be held at Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery on Monday, March 25 at 10:00 am with Military Honors to be presented.