James Franklin Benton, Jr. was reunited with the love of his life on November 6, 2021.  His beloved wife of 54 years, Margaret Ann (Peggy) Benton, passed on November 4, 2020, and Jim spent the last year talking about how much he loved, appreciated and looked forward to reuniting with her.  

Jim is the son of James F. Benton Sr. and Sarah Maxine (Hester) Benton, born in Bladenboro, NC.  The oldest of five siblings, family was an essential part of his life.  He was very proud of his children, Michele Benton and husband Kelly Cook of Nashville, NC; Michael Sean Benton and fiancée, Allison Devine; grandsons Dylan James Benton and Ayden Michael Benton, granddaughters, Amanda and Alissa Devine, of Fairfield, NJ.  Jim and Peggy found great joy in spending the summers with their grandsons Dylan and Ayden.  The Benton family loved being together on holidays and the annual 4th of July celebrations.  Jim’s 3 brothers, sister and their families Gerald Benton and Lita, Ron Benton and Sally, Jayne Serritella and Tony, Mark Benton and Janet, and their families would travel from all over the country to be together.  In September, they shared their final time together during a family wedding on Sunset Beach.  

Second to family, Jim served his community and country both in his professional and volunteer work. Jim enlisted in the US Marine Corps in May 1961 with 4 years on active duty. Jim spent his life as a dedicated fireman joining the Birchwood Fire department in 1969, climbing up the ranks, he was a fire captain in 1992, and 1993, Chief in 1994 and 1995 and Department Chief in 2003. He worked as a fire inspector at Picatinny Arsenal, and inspector for surrounding municipalities. He also served two terms as councilman for Rockaway Township. Jim enjoyed his time as a volunteer with the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office following his and Peggy’s retirement when they moved to Ocean Isle Beach. 

A memorial service will be held at Brunswick Funeral Service, Shallotte, NC, on Wednesday, November 10^th by the Reverend Laura Viau, visitation starts at 2 pm, followed by a 3 pm service on site.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to the Birchwood Fire Department, Dover, New Jersey or Shallotte Presbyterian Church, Shallotte, NC.