James A. "Jim" Benson

    James A. “Jim” Benson, 80, of Bettendorf, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and watching his beloved Green Bay Packers on Sunday, December 24, 2023 at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf.
    A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28th at Bettendorf Presbyterian Church.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.  Memorials may be directed to Bettendorf Presbyterian Church or to the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House.  McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
    Jim was born January 19, 1943 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to James and Iva (Olson) Benson.   Following high school, he continued his education at the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business.  On September 6, 1964, he married Gail M. Penkoske in Oconto, Wisconsin.  Jim worked as a territory sales manager for General Foods Corp. in the Maxwell House Coffee division until his retirement in 1998.  He served in the U.S. Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves.  Jim was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan and was a season ticket holder.  He served on the Bettendorf Park Board and volunteered for over 25 years at the John Deere Classic.  Jim enjoyed sports, including golf, basketball, football, and pickleball.  He was a member of Bettendorf Presbyterian Church.
    Those left to honor his memory are his wife, Gail Benson of Bettendorf; sons, Dan (Julie) Benson of Colona, Illinois and Rob Benson of Bettendorf; 4 grandchildren, Megan (Royce) Clay, Joseph Benson, Jacob Benson, and Jordan Benson; 3 step-grandchildren, Stacie, Shawn, and Adam; brother, Peter (Sandy) Benson of Kaukauna, Wisconsin; and several nieces and nephews.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Lola Ann (Clarence) Aland.