James E. Benning

James “Jim” Benning, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away Sunday, May 4, 2025 at the age of 85. Jim will be remembered for his unmatched work ethic, deep love for his family, and gift for storytelling.

While still attending high school, Jim joined the Navy Reserves in 1957. He graduated from Paul Schulte High School in Terre Haute, Indiana, class of 1959. After graduation, he served two years of active duty in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1961, followed by four additional years in the Reserves. Jim began his civilian career at the Anaconda Aluminum Company in Terre Haute, Indiana, where he worked hard to provide for his family. While there, he also served as vice president of the union—a role he held with great pride and passion. His leadership and dedication led him into a new chapter in human resources at Arco Metals. Jim steadily climbed the corporate ladder, earning a promotion to Meridian, Mississippi, and eventually moving to the company’s corporate headquarters in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. After over two decades with Arco Metals, he took on a new challenge in Labor Relations at Mazda/Ford Motor Company in Michigan, continuing to set an example with his tirelesswork ethic.

At the encouragement of his wife, Jim became a dedicated softball coach for his daughters' team, the Benning’s Babes—famously carrying the rule book everywhere he went. Though new to coaching, he embraced the role wholeheartedly. Jim also taught himself to golf at a young age and developed a lifelong love for the game, spending countless days on the course with his son, sons-in-law, and close friends. He enjoyed going to the movies, keeping up with the latest streaming shows, and playing video games with a little help from his grandsons.

In his later years, Jim found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He shared daily Tim Hortons coffee with his beloved wife, Mary Ellen, and cherished time spent on his daughter’s patio, enjoying meals and conversations. Friday night dinners with his daughters and grandchildren were a highlight of his week. Jim loved reminiscing about the good old days and was known for being an incredible storyteller—his tales always filled with warmth,humor, and heart.

When spending time with his five dearly loved children he gave each of them undivided attention, making them feel supported and encouraged, and his pride in them was unmistakable. He was proud of the adults they became and the families they built. Above all, Jim was deeply devoted to his wife, Mary Ellen. Their bond was unbreakable, and he often said he did not want to spend a single day on this earth without her.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife Mary Ellen Benning; his children, Donna Marie Gill (John), Debra Ann Donegan (Kevin), Robert Edward Benning (Julie), Jamie Lynn Bieganski (Robert), and Sheila Harrington (Mark); his twin brother Joseph (Nancy) Benning III; his grandchildren, Rebecca Bridget Davis (Drew), Ryne James Gill (Brianna), Shannon Kelley Donegan, Kathleen Marie Chinn (Billy), Caitlin Brynn Donegan, Mitchel Brian Gill, Brendan Robert Benning (Jaycie), Jacob Robert Bieganski, Evan Rhys Bowen, Lucas James Bieganski, James Michael Donegan, and Jeremiah Harris Donegan; and his great grandchildren, Greyson Alexander Charles Chinn, Beckett Robert Benning, Theodore James Gill, Clara June Benning, Amelia Marie Chinn, Henry John Gill. He was preceded in death by his parents George Joseph Benning and Anne Reginia Downs Benning.

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 10am until 11am with a funeral service beginning at 11:00am at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. Father Tom Belczak will officiate the service. He will be laid to rest at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia following the service.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association, 25200 Telegraph Rd., Ste. 100, Southfield, MI 48033 or Parc Hospice, 33060 Northwestern Highway, Ste. 210, West Bloomfield, MI 48322. Please write in memory of James Benning in the memo of your check.