James R. "Jimmy" Benes, Jr.

James R. Benes Jr., 79 of Irving Texas Passed away on Tuesday November 14th, 2023, at the Brookdale Assisted Living Center in Farmer’s Branch, Texas after a long battle with Cancer.

Jimmy as he was known to all was born in San Angelo, Texas on October 7th, 1944, to James R. Benes & Vena Cunningham Benes. He was their first and only son as they would go onto have his four sisters, Joyce, Janet, Judy & Joan. He was only married once in 1979 to Debra Gregory of Dallas, Texas divorcing after 9 years of marriage. His two true loves were Miss Tilly his puppy baby girl & Groucho his grey parrot.

Jimmy grew up in San Angelo, Texas surrounded by a loving family. Jimmy Graduated from Central High School in 1963. He was involved in Football, Auto mechanics, shop class, Boy Scouts of America reaching Life rank. Growing up he spent time riding his motorcycle, drag racing and working on cars along with his dad. From the time he drew a picture of a boat on the chalkboard at school he had a passion for boating. He loved to fish, and scuba diving all oceans of the world. Having made several trips to Exotic places and spent many a weekend on his boat True Position at Lake Texoma.

Jimmy’s work habits were very strong though out his life, from paper routes, helping out at his grandpa’s key shop Dix Key Shop of San Angelo, Texas, Car dealerships, Johnson’s Funeral Home. In 1965 he moved to the Fort Worth/ Dallas area and started working at General Dynamics, Texas Instruments, Otis Engineering, and then began his lifelong employment at Bell Helicopter Textron in Irving, Texas until his retirement in April 2023 due to his Health.

Jimmy was a very proud veteran of the United States National Guard and the Coast Guard Reserves which he was still on reserve status up until his passing. During his service years he received many awards and citations including Marksmanship and was trained as a sniper. One such accomplishment was the rescue of a 14 yr. old girl at Lake Worth which he received commendations from the Coast Guard.

Jimmy is survived by his sisters & brother-in-law, Joyce E. Hicks, Judy J. Fowler husband Scotty G. Fowler, & Joan M. Watkins. He leaves behind nieces & nephews Mary Mazetis husband Chris & Daniel Hicks Jr. wife Anita of Maryland. Alex J. Eudy, Andrew S. Fowler, Shawn E. Watkins & girlfriend Jessica Kindrick, Adam S. Fowler wife Amanda, & Joshua R. Watkins. Along with several great nieces & nephews, & loving cousins. Jimmy’s many friends along his life adventures on the road & sea.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his Grandparents Joseph & Mary Benes, Dick & Bessie Cunningham, and his Parents James & Vena Benes, his sister Janet E. Eudy and several loving Uncles, Aunts, & Cousins.

Pallbearers will be Andrew & Adam Fowler, Shawn & Joshua Watkins, Rick Lorey & Jackie Jennings.

Honorary Pallbearer will be Alex J. Eudy

We will always carry his memory in our hearts.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M., Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Harper Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be 11:00 A.M., Monday, November 20, 2023, at Harper Funeral Home. The burial will follow in Miles Cemetery in Miles, TX.

Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at

www.harper-funeralhome.com