James Morgan Benton

James Morgan “Jim” Benton, age 94, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away on November 2, 2023, at his home. Jim was born on October 1, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Hartwell and Virginia (Beebe) Benton.

He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School with the Class of 1947.  Jim worked at KVP before being drafted into the United States Army in 1952, during the Korean War. He was promoted to Sergeant and returned to Kalamazoo.

Jim was employed by Schawk, Inc. (formerly LSI-Kala) as a salesman until his retirement. On December 1, 1984, he married Sharon Spitters (Berghuis) and they moved to Sherman Lake in Richland.  For thirty years they enjoyed family picnics and water activities.

Saturdays in the fall meant U of M football in Ann Arbor and he rarely missed a game.  He loved to play golf and belonged to the Prairies (Elks) for 54 years and was proud of his three holes-in-one!

Jim was a long-time member of Yorkville Community Church where he had served as a Trustee and Treasurer.

He is survived by his wife: Sharon: stepson: Chad (Rhonda) Spitters; step-grandson: Tate (Katrina) Spitters; step-granddaughter: Alison (Scott) Veldhuizen.

Also surviving are two brothers and two sisters: Thomas (Lois) Benton, Dr. George (Susan) Benton, Connie (Don) Miller, Ginger Barry, and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his two sisters: Sally Michon and Jean Leedy.

According to Jim’s wishes cremation has already taken place and a private family service is planned at Fort Custer National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or Hospice Centrica Care Navigators.

Please visit Jim’s personalized guest book at www.langelands.com