James Robert Benson

A private family graveside service with military honors for Mr. James Robert Benson, age 79, will be held on Monday, April 6, 2020, at the Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at Parkers Crossroads. Mr. Benson passed away on April 1, 2020, in Jackson, TN. He was born on August 24, 1940, in Covington, TN to the late James C. Benson and Velma L. Hodges Benson. Mr. Benson was married for 58 years to Bonnie (Madden) Benson. The couple met and were married while thy were both in the Navy and stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. Mr. Benson was a proud 13-year veteran of the United States Navy attaining the rank of Quartermaster Chief (QMC) by the time of his honorable discharge. Following his military service, Mr. Benson was a business owner, mechanic, and truck driver. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Previously, the exalted ruler of chapter #2039 of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (B.P.O.E.) of the United States of America. He loved to barbecue with and for his family and friends. He was proud of his barbecue skills which he happily taught to others. Mr. Benson is preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Doris Babb. Mr. Benson is survived by his wife, Bonnie Benson; daughters, Debbie Flaherty (Jim), Diana Johnson; brother, John E. Benson (Vicky); sisters, Ruth Laverne Anderson, Linda Owens, Jennie Cox (Ronnie); grandchildren, JD, Bryan, Chasity, Andrea, Casey, Drew, and Matt; great grandchildren, Tyler, Brennan, Karidee, Colton, Carson, Dalton, Lindley, Benson, and Abigail. A family visitation will be held on Monday, April 6, 2020, from 10:00 Am - Noon. Due to coronavirus restrictions, we are not allowed to have military honors at this time. The family will have a ceremony with military honors following the lifting of coronavirus restrictions. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. To limit the spread of COVID-19 so normal life and activities may resume, the governor has ordered that persons in the State of Tennessee shall not participate in social gatherings of ten (10) or more people. We ask all to limit time in the funeral home and to refrain from hugging and shaking hands for the safety of all. Lawrence-Sorensen Funeral home would like to thank you for understanding these limitations and working with us during these difficult and uncertain times. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of James Robert Benson, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.