James Fambrough Benson, "Jim" of Baton Rouge, La. passed away on Tuesday January 21st. Jim was 80 years old and met the lord peacefully in his sleep. Jim played football at Fletcher high school in Jacksonville Beach, Florida and for a short time in college before an injury ended his dreams of a football career. His life completely changed at that point as he transferred to Georgia to focus on his studies. This is where he met the love of his life, Carol. He became a proud graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Jim served his country as an Army Second Lieutenant in the Chemical Corps during the Vietnam War. Although never deployed, he served his country with honor. Jim went on to earn his MBA from the University of Alabama. He was the Director of Engineering at Novartis Crop Protection (formerly Ciba-Geigy, now Syngenta) in St. Gabriel, LA. when he retired from industry in 2001. He was a well-respected leader who fostered a great work environment for his employees. A talented golfer, he shared his love of the game with friends and family. In spite of an impressive career and hitting a hole in one, he was a humble man who rarely spoke of his accomplishments. He also shared a love for football and basketball that included his annual "March Madness" trip to Las Vegas with his brother. Begrudgingly known as an exceptional pool player he would often joke that it was a result of many misspent years as a youth.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother Francis Terracino, father Arthur "Art" Benson and his brother Karl Benson. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Carol Fowler Benson. His daughter, Jama Whalen; husband Doug and their daughters Cassidy Dillon, Heather Dillon and great grandchildren Meredith, Caden and Adeline. He is also survived by his son, Joe Benson; wife, Christine and children Rhyn, Marilyn, Ethan & Evan. Jim is loved and remembered as a great provider, dad and grandfather. He will be laid to rest in Jonesboro, Georgia at Sherwood Memorial on Friday January 31st. Visitation for Jim will take place at Ford-Stewart funeral home on Thursday evening (6-8 pm) with service on Friday at noon.