Obituary of James W. Benner

Rodman - James W. Benner, 78, died Tuesday morning at Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown. Calling hours are 2:00 - 6:00 pm Monday June 29 at the Piddock Funeral Home, Adams. A Mason service will begin at 6:00pm, followed by a memorial service with Rev. Rachel Roberts officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Fairview Cemetery, Rodman. Born August 12, 1936 in Germany, son of Gottfried and Martha Schad Benner, he was educated in Germany. He immigrated to the United States in 1956, settling in Watertown. He returned to Germany in February1958 and married Kristin Berger. Following their marriage, he returned to the US and his wife later joined him in October in 1958. Jim became a US Citizen in 1963. In 1973, they moved to Rodman where they lived the rest of their married life. For most of his life in the US, Jim made donuts and later owned Bakerboy until it was sold. He retired in 1992. Surviving besides his wife Kristin, are two sons, James U. (Stacey) Benner, Tampa, FL, Jack W. (Carol) Benner, Antwerp; five grandchildren, two great grandchildren; two brothers, Heinz Benner, Fritz Benner, Germany; one sister, Elizabeth Floetenmeyer, Black River; and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by a daughter Joann Benner who died in 2009, and one sister, Ruth Bauer. Jim was a member of the Rodman Fire Department, the Rodman Community Church and the Rodman Masonic Lodge #506 F&AM. Donations in his memory may be made to the Samaritan Keep Home Resident’s Fund, 133 Pratt Street, Watertown, NY 13601.