Died January 30, 2021.

Skiatook Public Schools, Skiatook, OK

Bus Driver

Obituary:

James Robert “Jim” Benham, age 74, of Skiatook went to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, January 30, 2021 in Miami, Oklahoma.

Jim was born August 28, 1946 in Enterprise, Oklahoma to Glenn D. and Ina Dell (McCoy) Benham. Jim grew up and received his education in Stigler where he graduated in 1964. Jim went to Northeastern State College where he graduated with his Bachelor Degree in Education. Jim married Gayla Sue Patterson on July 21, 1966 in Poteau, Oklahoma. Jim began his teaching career in Plainville, Kansas in 1968 and taught there for 10 years before moving to Skiatook in 1978. He was employed with Skiatook Public Schools until his retirement in May of 2001. Jim was currently a school bus driver for the district.  Jim was a member of the Riveted Baptist Church. He loved to cruise town on his motorcycle and could be seen making pit stops at Wal-Mart, Allred’s, Ace, and Kum and Go on the regular.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Glenn and Ina Dell Benham and in-laws Roland and Margaret Patterson.

Jim is survived by- Wife- Gayla, Daughters and son-in-laws Staci and Brett Henson, Jamie and Wes Reed and Mandi Jo and Rob Johns, Grandchildren Ty and Lexie Henson, Emma Henson, Hayden Reed and Madi Powell, Josie Dell Reed, Owen Johns and Nico Johns, Brothers Joe and wife Carolyn Benham, Tom and Donna Benham and Eddie Benham, Sister Janice Rae and husband Joe Reinke, Sister-in-laws Jo Ellen and husband Ron Dunn, Vicki Perryman, Brother-in-law Rick and Novita Patterson and an abundance of precious  cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.  

The family of Jim Benham entrusted his care and services to Sien-Shelton Funeral Home.