Memorial for James W. Benschoter
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Born on Jun. 13, 1956
Departed on Oct. 23, 2009 and resided in Lake Odessa, MI.
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| Visitation: |
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009
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| Memorial Service: |
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009
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| Cemetery: |
East Sebewa Cemetery
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Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions.
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James W. Benschoter, loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and great friend of many, lost his courageous battle with cancer on Friday morning, October 23, 2009, at his home in Lake Odessa with his family by his side.
Jim was born on June 13, 1956 to James O. and Leonarda (Heck) Benschoter in Wurzburg, West Germany where his father was serving in the U.S. military and where his parents had met. Jim was a 1974 graduate of Portland High School. He was united in marriage to Julie K. Kauffman on June 11, 1977. Together they raised three daughters, Kristi, Jill and Kellie. Jim had worked as an engineer at General Motors for 32 years and considered his colleagues to be dear friends.
Jim was an amazing musician, playing his guitar from a very young age. Thursday night jam sessions and various gigs with friends brought great joy to his life. He never let his friends down when he went into his phenomenal solos. His passion for life was expressed best through the strings of his guitar. Jim also enjoyed and had a keen knowledge of history. In recent years, he looked forward to the annual trip to Mexico with his wife and friends.
Jim is survived by Julie, his loving wife of 32 years; daughters, Kristi and Derek Waddle of Lake Odessa, Jill Benschoter of Lake Odessa, and Kellie Benschoter and Jason Abfalter of Nashville; parents, James O. and Leonarda "Linda" Benschoter of Sunfield; sister, Karen and Terry Lafler of Sunfield; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Ezra, Jayden, Gabrielle, and Ethan; nephews, Matt Brown and Nick Lafler; the many loving members of the extended Kauffman family; and many great friends who had also became family members. He was preceded in death by his sister, Delores Benschoter; maternal grandparents, Wilhelm and Berta Heck; paternal grandparents, Donald and Winnie Benschoter; and uncles, Donald Benschoter, Jr. and Norton Benschoter.
Visitation will be held at the Koops Funeral Chapel in Lake Odessa on Tuesday, October 27 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 28 at the Lakewood United Methodist Church. Final interment will be in East Sebewa Cemetery. Jim's family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to Barry Community Hospice, or to the American Cancer society.
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This Memorial Obituary provided by
Koops Funeral Chapel
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