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JAMES BENZIE
Date of Passing: Aug 27, 2012
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JAMES BENZIE With great sadness, our family announces Jim's passing on Monday, August 27, 2012, at the age of 95. Lovingly remembered by Dorothy, his wife of 70 years, son Donald (Doreen) and daughter Barbara (Paul). Grandpa Jim was so proud of Heather (Dean), John, Christopher (Amy), Andrew (Lisa), Colin and great-grandchild Mackenzie. Sister-in-law Doris (Bob) and numerous nieces and nephews remember him fondly. Born to Agnes and John in Winnipeg in 1917, Jim's early years were spent playing the accordion, working on Model T's and motorcycles with his cherished brother Jack, fishing, playing in the Cameron Cadet Pipe Band and on the Cadet Rifle Team. During the depression years he worked all manner of jobs from tinsmith to Eaton's caretaker. In 1938, he joined the Winnipeg Police Force, an era of call boxes and buffalo coats. For many years he was a drummer with the Police Pipe Band. He became Detective in 1946, and retired in 1969. Ten years as a Sheriff's Officer followed. During the war years Jim proudly served with The Royal Canadian Navy as an ASDIC operator assigned to the minesweeper HMCS Chignecto. Jim was the ultimate hobbyist. He was a model railroader building both HO and large scale engine replicas. He became a skilled wood carver and in later years he developed a love of painting with Steam locomotives and landscapes as his favourite subjects. An avid outdoorsman and Lifetime Member of the Ingolf Campers' Association, his years at the cottage gave him his greatest pleasure. Since 1939, Jim and his family have loved the lake and Dad indulged in cottage building, engine repairs, fishing, reading, bull work and great times with family and friends. Dad's legacy to his family is the importance of hard work, honesty and integrity, loyalty to friends and pride in one's family. He had a wonderful sense of humour, a gift for storytelling and a remarkable memory. We will always treasure the laughter, the stories and wonderful poems. Honouring Jim's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. A gathering to share memories and celebrate Jim's life will be held at a later date. Flowers gratefully declined but, if you wish, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst St. R3T 0R3 or the charity of your choice. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca. Glen Lawn Funeral Home 982-7550
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 01, 2012
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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We are proud to have known Jim as a good friend for about 30 years. Our oldest son is married to Jim's and Dorothy's daughter. He was a proud, honourable man, with a delightful sense of humour and a love of poetry - some splendid, some not so!. As a sheriff's officer working at the courthouse in Winnipeg after his retirement from the WPD, Jim threw himself across the body of a criminal he had just tackled in the courtroom, in the belief (shared by all present, including the judge) that the criminal was armed with an explosive device. As it happened, that belief was mistaken, but who knew until after the event? That action was typical of the man. A fine gentleman. As we would have said in the Navy, as a sign of respect: "Off caps!" - Posted by: Pam and Reeh Taylor () on: Sep 14, 2012
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I worked with Jim at Winnipeg Law Courts, in mid 1960's. I was a member of the RCMPolice at that time, with approx 6 years in the Force. Jim was an absolute professional police officer, & I learned so much from Jim about being a policeman. We had a lot of fun working in the Law Courts Building & there is no doubt that Jim had a positive influence on my career path,as I served 25 years in the RCMP, retiring in 1985 as a Staff-Sgt, then spent another 15 years as Corporate Security Mgr with TD Bank. & retiring from that position in 2000. I have often thought about Jim & wondered what became of him. I do regret not having seen Jim before he passed away. There is no doubtin my mind, that Jim had a positive influence on me, providing good strong advice to me as a young copper. To any of Jim's family that may happen to read my comments re: my association with Jim, he was a great person, who was a very positive influence on me & his excellent leadership & the good role model Jim provided to me - when I definitely needed it, at that time in my life &service as a young RCMP member will never be forgotten. Our son is now a 16 year veteran in the RCMP & our son in law a 12 year RCMP member, & I have from time to time recalled some of my experiences in the Force with them, & in doing so have related some of those times to advice Jim would give to me. So Jim is still being a positive influence on young policemen, in this way, even though he is no longer with us. I was very fortunate to have known Jim Benzie as a fellow police officer many years ago. Sincerely, Jerry W. Anderson - Posted by: Jerry W. Anderson (Friend & former police co-worker) on: Sep 01, 2012
