James won the race to be with His Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior, with his family by his side on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. James was born on October 19, 1942, in Appleton, WI. In 1960 he graduated from Kaukauna H.S. Jim attended U.W. Fox Valley. He served in the Army Reserves. Jim married his cherished wife, Mary, on October 15, 1966. He was employed by Allis Chalmers, Jim's Car Wash, and Appleton Papers. Jim held various office positions on the Board for Justin Court Association for over 25 years. He was an avid volunteer for Make-A-Wish, Give Kids The World in Florida, We Care of Appleton, and tutored in various schools for years. Jim enjoyed spending time and making memories with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim enjoyed his 1964 Pontiac GTO and had so many cherished memories attending car shows and get-togethers with Valley Classic Cruisers. Jim was a terrific softball coach for girls from young ages thru senior league-even achieved winning the City Championship. Jim enjoyed watching sports-especially the Packers and Brewers. Participating in church softball teams and dartball leagues, driving for Bergstrom Automotive, candy-making, being "Mr. Fix-It", and enjoying the lake were additional pastimes.

Jim was treasured and loved by his wife of 55 years, Mary (Jahns) Benotch; his two daughters, Laurie (Myrl) Benotch-Olson and Jennifer (Benotch) Dordel; grandchildren, Bradley (Kody) Dordel, Alex (Cassidy Edler) Dordel and Alysen Dordel; his great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Rosemary. Jim is further survived by his brother, Jack (Jackie) Benotch; many nieces, nephews and family friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy (Martzal) Benotch, Oscar and Loretta (Freier) Jahns; brother, Don (Gwen) Benotch; sisters, Pat (Benotch) Sanchez and Janet (Benotch) Bodway; and Bill Jahns.

A visitation for family and friends will be on Sunday, February 27, 2022, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church 8 S. 4th St. Winneconne. A funeral service will be held on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at the church with Pastor Ben Berger officiating. Entombment will be in Highland Memorial Park, Appleton.

"If you're gonna love somebody, hold 'em as long and as strong and as close as you can 'Til you can't…" See you soon in Heaven our dear Jimmy, Dad, Grandpa, and Poppum!

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Jim's honor can be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church for Children's Continuing Faith Education.

If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.