James Andrew Benton

A Faithful Servant

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7.

James Andrew Benton was born on April 12, 1955, in Strong, Arkansas, to the late Walter Benton Jr. and Alma Benton. James departed his life on March 15, 2023, at his home in El Dorado, AR.

At an early age, James united with Ebenezer Baptist Church (Strong, AR). He later joined Russell Temple A.M.E. Church (Smackover, AR), then New Providence M.B.C. under the leadership of Rev. M.T. Easter. After the passing of Rev. Easter, James left the church for 13 years. After visiting Douglas Chapel and receiving the “Couple of the Year” award, James joined the Douglas Chapel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev D.L. Hegler. James became active in his Sunday School class, as well as ”Take It 2 the Streets”, Usher, Couples, Kitchen Committee, and Parking ministries.

James graduated from Strong High School in 1973. After graduation, James went to work for Cooper Tire and Rubber Company for 34 years, where he was never absent or tardy.

On August 13, 1982, James married the love of his life, Brenda Joyce Harris. 

On December 18, 2012, James was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer. The doctors gave him three weeks to live and suggested that his family place him in hospice. His wife, children, family, and church family began to pray even harder to God, asking that His will be done in James' life. James was transferred to UAMS, where he was hospitalized for a few weeks. James's cancer had metastasized. The cancer had spread in his bones from his head to his feet. His back and shoulder were broken and detached, yet he was released. He began hormone treatments, cancer medications, and three month follow up appointments. After a few years, his P.S.A. levels were showing .008, which meant his cancer was under control. James never took chemo until 2023, and the doctor gave him one shot. The Lord granted him 11 years when doctors gave him a few weeks to live. During those 11 years, James traveled and spent time with his family. He said that he had some things to see and live for! He centered his life around his family, whom he loved dearly.

James always had some wisdom and advice when people came around to visit; if they wanted to hear it or not, James gave it to them. He was known for his B.B.Q. skills. His chicken wings, pork chops, and ribs were the best! He also enjoyed working in the yard and maintaining a clean home. James touched many lives before and during his sickness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Alma Benton, his sister Angela, and daughter Connie.

His loving memories will be cherished by his wife of 41 years, Brenda Joyce Benton of El Dorado, AR; Five daughters, Jamie “Boo” Benton-Davis (Antonio), Andrea “TK” Benton of El Dorado, AR, Nancy “ Nikki” McCoy (Stanley) of Camden, AR, Sheila Nunley of Little Rock, AR; and Theola "Bonnie" Harris-Younger(Jerome) of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Two sons; Yancy R. Harris (Sonya) of El Cajon, California, and Paul Harris of El Dorado, AR. Four bonus children: Danielle Benton-Young (Michael), Shaneil "P.J." Yarbrough (Larry), Cassandra "Rosie" Vaughn-Andrews (Curlee), and Martavious Carrigan. Three brothers, Wallace (Petra) Benton of Germany, Michael (Rosa) Benton of Texarkana, TX, and Kevin (Kiffany) Benton of El Dorado, AR. Four sisters Laura (Charles) Matthews of Duncanville, TX, Bertha Hicks, Belinda Richmond, and Lisa (Dennis) Hausley, all of El Dorado, AR. Three aunts; Jean Bernard, Mae Lee Harley, and Erma Banks. One brother-in-law, Samuel Johnson (Sherry) of Davenport, Iowa. One sister-in-law Linda Ramey of Atlanta, Georgia. 27 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will miss him tremendously.