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The family of James Benton uploaded a photo
Thursday, October 5, 2017
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The family of James Benton uploaded a photo
Thursday, October 5, 2017
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Coral posted a condolence
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Hi Honey, Summer's almost over. I look whole on the outside but there's a huge black hole inside me. Miss you so so much. How can this be?
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Coral lit a candle
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
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My Darling. My Love, I miss you so.... Too soon, too soon. We had a life time yet to share...
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Andrea Jaramillo posted a condolence
Thursday, December 10, 2009
My most sincere condolences during this difficult time! I was lucky enough to have Mr.Benton as my gr.7 and 8 teacher a while back and I still consider him to be the best teacher I ever had!I am now a teacher and always try to remember how he was, his jokes and his enthusiasm! He was a great person and I, along with many other of his students, will remember him always. He has a special place in my heart!
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Taoist Tai Chi Society Port Perry posted a condolence
Monday, December 7, 2009
Jim is well remembered by our group for his kindness and his sense of humour. We are better for his having been among us.
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Timothy, Amanda, Andrew, Zachery and Abbigail Russo lit a candle
Thursday, December 3, 2009
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Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear. -Your laughter will be missed Uncle Jim-
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Richard Pierog posted a condolence
Thursday, December 3, 2009
To the family, May Jim Benton rest in peace. He was my mentor in my first two years of teaching when I began with the board in 2001. He always tried to instil confidence in me, to laugh, to not take myself too seriously, and to remind myself, after a hard day, to let it, any lingering problem, go. I never failed to break out laughing when, seeing me on the phone in the office, he'd press his face against the class, like a hockey spectator, and tell me, with an angry look, to "#@@#$ you." Requisite in pace
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corra posted a condolence
Thursday, December 3, 2009
e.e. cummings wrote, "The most wasted of all days is one without laughter" Thank you Jim for not wasting your days and teaching us not to waste ours! You will be so dearly missed, thank you for sharing your love of laughter, love of teaching and love of life! Working with you at St. Martin de Porres was indeed a pleasure! Thank you Coral for sharing Jim with us all!
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Chris Andrade posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
My memory doesn't always serve me well but I have always remembered Mr. Benton as the overly positive aspect of an otherwise difficult grade 7 & 8 years of French Immersion at St. Martin de Porres. Spending the half day with Mr. B was often something I looked forward to as he made class interesting, intriguing and even fun. My fondest memory and the one I've always held strong to was reading Animal Farm with him. Already an avid reader, I was completely fascinated with this literary masterpiece and feel like it kick-started my love of reading into a whole new level. Nearly 15 years after, it was still such a strong memory that I went out and bought myself a copy of the book and re-read it, remembering how amazingly cool it was to have read such a profound piece of literature at such a young age. You will be missed Mr. B and I will pick up Animal Farm once more tonight and read it in your memory.
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Jennifer Reid Tsatsos posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
I too am a former student of Mr. B's and am very saddened to learn of his passing. I had the pleasure of being a student at St. Martin dePorres for my grade 7 and 8 french immersion years, after moving from small town Kingston. WOW...what a culture shock, but a great time in my life. What I remember most are the poems; having to learn a new one each week and writing them as our "spelling tests" on Fridays. I tell my students about Mr. B and this practice, and every year I share "The Jabberwock" with my grade 6's. I also remember Mr. B telling us that all we needed was a pen to pass at Pope...well we needed more then a pen and Mr. B made sure we had it. Thank you for that Mr. Benton. Mr. B, I've read all the condolences and shared stories, I hope you know how you touched your students, how you accomplished all that every teacher who becomes a teacher can only hope to accomplish with a small handful of students. You've inspired me once again and I will go into my class tomorrow with a little more of the passion that I started my career with. Thank you. Tyger Tyger burning bright in the twillig of the night... Jennifer Tsatsos St. Martin dePorres, 1987-1989
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Ann, Angela and Martine posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Our deepest condolences to you Coral and your family. We have some very fond memories of Jim from St. Martin de Porres. Our trip to Quebec was great fun especially when he tried to order in French at McDonald's. Our prayers are with you. God bless, Ann Coady, Angela Mitchell and Martine Cote-Campbell.
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Libby Earle posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
I too was fortunate enough to have been taught by the infamous Mr. B at St. Martin de Porres school for my grade 7 and 8 French Immersion years. Whenever I think back to that time, I always smile when remembering his classes. Like Chris Andrade wrote, I too was already an avid reader, but Mr. Benton would select and read us books and poetry that were unlike any that we had been exposed to before, and as a result, I think we all developed a new appreciation for the written word. He would select books that most wouldn't have read until high school or university, but the entire class would be riveted as he read aloud. He treated us like adults, and encouraged us to take chances, believe in ourselves, and be the best that we could be. My condolences go out to the family of the man who impacted so many of our lives in such a positive, wonderful way. Animal Farm forever Mr. B!!
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Margaret Cyr posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Dear Coral and the Benton family, I was so sorry to learn of Jim's passing. I so enjoyed my years of teaching with him at St. Martin De Porres School. We shared many happy times there. I always enjoyed Jim's wonderful sense of humour He helped to make our staff room a place of pleasant times. With my deepest sympathy to your Coral and all the family. Marg Cyr
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Linda Shaw-Gamble posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
May you rest in peace, Mr. Benton. You were a great teacher. Tai Chi and The Jabberwocky are forever embedded in my brain! You will be remembered fondly. Linda Shaw-Gamble (St. Martin de Porres, 1986-1988)
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Tuesday, December 1, 2009
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Jim, we miss you so much! Our foursomes on the golf course will never be the same. Love always!
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Nadine Henry posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Mr. Benton will truly be missed. He was one in a million, a rare and unique person that is very hard to find in these days and times. Mr. Benton was a patient, caring, and inspiring teacher who challenged you to reach goals and dreams that you yourself didn't believe was possible. "Mr. B" (what we use to refer to him as) understood his students, was passionate about teaching them and consistently encouraged them to do their very best. Mr. B was more than just a teacher, he was a life coach. One memory stands out in particular. While in grade 7, it was the end of the day and the entire class was going over our Math homework that was assigned the night before. Mr. Benton called on me to answer one of the questions. I had completed the question but was unsure if the answer was right. I didn't reply in fear of saying the wrong answer and thus being embarassed in front of the class. He asked me over and over again and made the entire class wait for 2 minutes (but what felt like an eternity) until I answered what 8 x 8 was! After class, just as I was going out the door to go home he asked me what 8 x 9 equaled, then what 9 x 9 equaled, and so on. I got every answer right. He said, "No matter if you get the answer right the first time or if you fail a million times, the lesson learned at the end is what matters most. Don't every be afraid to try what you think you will inevitably fail." To this day I still remember those words. He taught me that I should never be afraid to try what seems completely impossible and pride is word only a fool knows. Mr. Benton, I am still attempting and learning life's lessons and have failed at a few of them. However, I have always approached them head on because of your advice and wisdom. Thank you for everything you have taught me. You will be missed.
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Tisha Ortizo posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
To the family and friends of who I fondly, and repeatedly call my "favourite teacher of all time," Mr. Benton. I am deeply saddened by the news but am also celebrating with you because I know Mr. Benton's life is one that was lived fully and with purpose. Please take heart, and know that he has made a difference in many young people's lives. Not only did he make me fall in love with the english language, literature, and creative writing, but he never failed to show me (and my class) that he truly cared about our well-being. He had his smart remarks, but that kept our class always interesting :) So on behalf of my class (we are the graduating class of St. Martin de Porres 1996), my deepest condolences and I know he will be greatly missed.
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Mamen MartÃn-Peña posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
On behalf of Sanchez-Fayos Family, from Spain (specially on behalf of paloma):Our prayers and thoughts are with Coral and the family.We were deeply saddened to hear of Jim's passing.Coral, we are deeply sorry for your loss.May God bless you and give you the strength to continue at this time of great difficulty. An special kiss from Paloma. She won't never forget Jim and the good time they spent together playing chess.
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Terry Morlock posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
My prayers and thoughts are with Coral and the family. I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He really was 'one of a kind'. Jim and I taught together at St. Francis de Sales in the 70's and I have many fond memories. I was delighted to reconnect when he came to Scarborough. He was an excellent teacher who challenged his students. Two of my children benefitted from his expertise. Jim touched many hearts and left us better because of it. Rest in peace. Terry Morlock
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Martin-Pena Espinosa posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Our dear Coral, we all, Macarena, Rafael , Marivi and myself, Javier, felt realy sad for the notice of Jim's leaving all of us. We have great remembers of all of you, and it is specially at these sad moments when we feel how good times we had together, and how much we miss you all here in Spain. Our biggest kisses for you. We love you so much.
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Wanda Scharf posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
I worked briefly with Jim at St. Theresa Shrine School. He was a fun person to work with and always had great stories to tell. We even participated in a staff golf tournament and had a fun time. Great golfer! Although it has been many years since Jim and I worked at the same school, he left me with many wonderful times and memories! He was a good person! My thopughts and prayers are with his wife and family. God Bless!
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Edmar Aquino posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
To the family of Mr. Benton, Our sincere condolence in the passing of one of the great teachers of my children, Tabitha and Mark Aquino of St. Martin de Porres School. My husband and I are deeply saddened in his passing. He has taught and guided my children in their studies and became their guiding star. Mr. Benton, May God's eternal light shine upon you and May you rest in Peace with our Creator, who has prepared a room for you in His Heavenly mansion. Sincerely, Mr. & Mrs Danny Aquino
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With Love, Patti & Gerry lit a candle
Monday, November 30, 2009
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Our hearts are broken.
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Ginger, John, Vincent, Victor, Tim and Gina lit a candle
Monday, November 30, 2009
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We love you Jim.
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Christine Brooks posted a condolence
Monday, November 30, 2009
As my grade 7 and 8 English teacher, Mr. Benton was the one of the most influential, if not the most influential teacher in my entire scholastic career. Even at the young age of 12 and 13, he taught that you could be more than people imagined for you, by reaching beyond and teaching us things he knew we could understand, not limiting us in what the lesson plans said we could understand. I blame him for my need to always challenge what i hear, what i read and what people tell me i'm "supposed" to do! He let us think about ideas and discuss them, not just memorize them. He forced us to think beyond our age and circumstances, and as a result, prepared us for the 10 or more years ahead. He spoke to us like adults, which sometimes included often sarcastic and always hilarious jokes and friendly teasing when we did silly things. Even in his "punishments" he encouraged free thought and creative thinking, either through forcing us to write an essay for his book on any topic we felt was interesting rather than what he knew would be an insincere apology or making us as a class write out a passage from the bible that was a subtle tongue-in-cheek mocking of our bad behaviour. I will remember him as a kindhearted humorous, incredibly intelligent, provocative and progressive person. Hopefully he knew, and hopefully those who he left behind know what an impact he had on so many people.
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Gene & Cynthia posted a condolence
Monday, November 30, 2009
Although we only knew you for short time, it has been a memorable one. Your contagious smile and wonderful wit always generated warm feelings. Your artful story telling in the neighbourhood paper made us focus on the real issues in life vs. the trivial You will truly be missed....grace go with you.
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Anne-Marie Cusimano-Johnston posted a condolence
Monday, November 30, 2009
May the White Light of the Holy Spirit guide you home. Thank you for all of the wonderful stories that we shared, many years ago while teaching at St. Martin DePorres. I will never forget your passion and love for the students that you taught. You were truely a gift from heaven that God shared with many. Thank you....I know that you are more than likely skiing those slopes of the clouds or sailing the winds of the heavens!! God Bless. Anne-Marie and Louise Cusimano
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Tara Atkinson posted a condolence
Monday, November 30, 2009
Mr. Benton, a name which evokes so many wonderful memories. I was so fortunate to be one of Mr. Benton's students in both my grade 7 & 8 year at St. Martin de Porres. I can remember waiting with great anticipation for the day that he would become my teacher. The years spent in his class were among the best of my elementary days and saying goodbye to him at graduation was by far the most challenging. I had been lucky over the years to run into him several times through school functions, and I was saddened to hear when he retired because that meant I would have to say goodbye once more. Life lessons were what he taught and fond memories are what he leaves. This is the final farewell Mr. Benton. God bless you and thank you for being the incredible inspiration that you are. Tara Atkinson
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Sheena Paul posted a condolence
Monday, November 30, 2009
Jim, I will always remember the support that you offered me in my teaching career when I needed it the most! Coral, I am deeply sorry for your loss. May God bless you and give you the strength to continue at this time of great difficulty.
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Adam Beard posted a condolence
Monday, November 30, 2009
Jim Benton - Mr. Benton to me - was much more to me than a school teacher. Often, people look back at the many instructors, teachers, professors and mentors that they had throughout the years, and find that there are those whose passion and integrity stood out specifically. Jim taught me the foundations of English as a study, and sparked a love deep within me for all things literary. Many times throughout my high school and university and professional careers, I've looked back and appreciated how his enthusiasm and spirit encouraged me to read between the lines and critically think about all the things I read. Jim will be missed - I'm certain I'm not the only student of his that mourns his passing. My thoughts are with his family, and the legion of intellectuals that he fostered.
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Elaine Aprile posted a condolence
Monday, November 30, 2009
Jim was certainly an asset with his years at St. Theresa Shrine School. His sense of humour was often unnoticed by some colleagues. I went to the Tara Inn with him for refreshments after school. His sense of humour will be remembered by me. Often times, we do not understand the road that is before us.May your healing begin and I hope that you remember what "a Gift" Jim was to all. God Bless you all. Elaine Aprile
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Susan Jordan posted a condolence
Monday, November 30, 2009
I just wanted to say that Mr. Benton was one of those teachers that were VERY rare. He taught my grade 7 & 8 class as I was doing French Immersion at St. Martin De Porres Elementary school. One of the things I remembered most about him was when he told us to choose a career path that we loved. He said the worst feeling is waking up in the morning to do a job that you hate. He than said he loved his job and made a crack about how annoying our class could be :). He prepared us mentally for high school, and I would even say college. He had such insightful knowledge and wisdom that he can't be compared to any other teacher I have had. I always wanted to go back to school to visit him but I did hear he moved away. I recently changed careers last June and when asked why, well, I mentioned "Mr. B" and told them how my grade 8 teacher told me to never settle for a job I was unhappy with. My heart feels heavy, so I can only imagine what his family must feel. My prayers are with you all at this hard time. He will always be remembered. R.I.P Mr. B -Susan Jordan
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Ralph and Jane Renzetti posted a condolence
Monday, November 30, 2009
Jim, how our hearts are broken. Wonderful memories of dinners together, visiting back and forth, conversations and laughs over the dinner table with glasses of wine, our vacations together are what sustain us. You have left such a void in our lives but we remember so many wonderful times together. We love you and miss you. Ralph, Jane, Guy and Matt and of course Cleo.
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Bruce & Diana Rogers posted a condolence
Monday, November 30, 2009
We've come to think of Jim and Coral as good neighbours and good friends. Jim's death has hit us hard. It's a shock and we will need a lot of time to absorb the loss. We can only imagine how devastating this is for Coral. Theirs was so obviously an rich love affair. Our deep sympathy for Coral and her family comes from our own very deep sense of loss. What a sense of humour he had. What a creative and lively mind we've lost. All of his curling buddies will miss his energetic investment in the game and the laughs he brought to every situation. We've lost a bright, hugely intelligent neighbour and friend. But we smile when we think of Jim and always will. Bruce & Diana Rogers
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Colin Wilson posted a condolence
Monday, November 30, 2009
John, Usha & Family: Heartfelt condolences to you (and the immediate family) on the passing of your brother-in-law. May the happy memories you shared be the treasure that keeps him close in your thoughts and hearts, and may you be comforted by God's sustaining grace during this difficult period. Colin & Paulette Wilson