Mr. James “Jim” Fred Benson of Crumpler died Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, at Ashe Memorial Hospital. He was 64.

Mr. Benson was born Feb. 5, 1948, in Ashe County to Virgil Roscoe and Martha Johnson Benson.

Mr. Benson was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Junior and Wilmer Benson; and a sister, Doris McCall.

He loved to play on his John Deere Tractor and loved to play chess. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his grandchildren.

Mr. Benson is survived by his wife Linda Seward Benson; two daughters, Peggy Benson and husband Darrell Hartzog of West Jefferson, and Jennifer Byland and husband Seth of Fleetwood; three grandchildren, Taylor Byland, J. T. Austin and Randi Byland; one great grandchild, Ayden Lonon; three sisters, Carlotta Finley and Joyce Richardson and husband Brad, all of Crumpler, and Juanita Baldwin and husband Ben of Winston-Salem; sister in law, Reba Benson of Lansing; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, at the Badger Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. David Blackburn and Rev. Jack Pugh. The family will receive friends from 5-6:30 pm on Thursday prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family: Linda Benson, 301 Huckleberry Ridge Road, Crumpler, NC 28617.

Words of comfort and remembrance may be viewed or sent to the family through our website at www.badgerfuneralhome.com.

Badger Funeral Home was entrusted with Mr. Benson’s arrangements.