Cover photo for James Benson's Obituary
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1922 James 2012

James Benson

August 12, 1922 — January 4, 2012

James Wade "Buddy" Benson, 89, of Damascus, MD, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 4, 2012.  He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Sharon Benson.  Born August 12, 1922, in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late James Wade Benson, Sr. and Temperance McCrossin Benson of Travilah, MD.

As a paratrooper and member of the 462nd Field Artillery Battalion, 503rd, Regional Combat Team in the U.S. Army during World War II, Buddy served 4 years during the conflict. Serving as a radio operator, he was deployed to Australia, the Philippines, and New Guinea in the Pacific campaign. He was a member of the American Legion Post 171 in Damascus, MD.

A highly skilled brick and stonemason, Buddy built many beautiful structures throughout his career working in and around MD and D.C.  He and his son Dan enjoyed working together for the company that Dan owned, Benson Custom Masonry.  Buddy enjoyed his work, family, golf, and woodworking, and was a member of the Church of the Redeemer, Gaithersburg, MD.

His first wife of 45 years, Annie Belle Benson, and his only son James Daniel "Dan" Benson preceded him in death. Buddy is also survived by 4 daughters, Brenda Pettry, husband Jim of Potomac, MD; Janice Adkinson, husband John of Durham, NC; JoAnn Poore, husband Ross of Chocowinity, NC; Deborah Effle, husband John of Bahama, NC; and Dan's wife Kathy Benson of Myersville, MD.  A loving and dedicated grandfather, Buddy is survived by 7 natural grandchildren, John Claude Effle, Jr.; Hilari Varnadore, husband Jason; Brian Poore, wife Christine; Kristen Turner, husband Steven; Mark Adkinson; Cory Benson, wife Veronika; and Nicholas Effle, wife Nancy. Stepchildren include Vicki Pavay, husband Fred of Monrovia, MD; David Lauer, wife Kathie of Dania Beach, FL.  There are 4 great-grandchildren and 5 step-grandchildren.

Buddy was also preceded in death by 3 sisters,  Edna Durbin, Edith Simmons, Anna Boeger, and was survived by 2 sisters Doris "Sissy" Reid, husband Ray of Rockville, MD; Barbara "Mickey" Day of Damascus, MD; and by 1 brother William Stanley “Sonny” Benson of Germantown, MD.  Many nieces and nephews also survive.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, January 21, at 3:00 p.m. at the Stauffer Funeral Home Chapel, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org or 1393 Progress Way, Eldersburg, MD  21784 or alternatively to the American Heart Association at https://donate.americanheart.org or 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA  23060.

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