James Benson

James E. “Jim” Benson of Tremont, Illinois, passed away in his home on May 31, 2025.

Jim was born to James L. and Patricia Benson in Tremont on July 10, 1947. The oldest of four boys, Jim lived his entire life in Tremont. He graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Illinois State University, where he met the love of his life, Marianne MacKenzie. They married on December 28, 1968 in Beloit, WI and settled in Tremont where Jim taught Social Studies and PE, coached and drove buses. He held a contract with Tremont District 702 for 50 years. 

Jim loved sports and was known for his years of dedication to THS Football; in retirement calling himself “the oldest manager in the Heart of Illinois Conference.” He also coached track and junior high basketball for both boys and girls. He always encouraged his athletes to make sportsmanship and fun the focus of their participation. Jim’s faith was always an important part of his life. He was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Peoria and was active in Peoria Cursillo, serving as rector and on the steering committee as well as many prison ministry teams. Jim was a member of a men’s Bible study in Morton for over 40 years. He served his community as a member and past president of the Tremont Lions Club and as a dedicated volunteer at Illinois Cancer Care.

Along with his faith, the joy of Jim’s life was his family. He is survived by Marianne, his daughters- Amy Aluyi of Tremont, Emily Benson of Pekin, and Elly (Jason) Conklin of Knoxville, TN- and his seven grandchildren- Bo, Mo, and Marley Aluyi of Tremont, and Seth, Aiden, Anna, and Megan Conklin of Knoxville. He is also survived by his brother D. Bret Benson of West Palm Beach, FL, and many beloved extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Visitation will be held at Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont on Monday, June 9, 2025 from 4-7 P.M. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 10th at 10:30 A.M. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Peoria, with visitation one hour prior. Following the service, friends and family are invited to Mt. Hope Cemetery in Tremont for burial, followed by a luncheon at Tremont United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Cursillo in Christ of the Diocese of Peoria or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Peoria, Il.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Benson, please visit our floral store.