James L. “Jim” Benoit, 77, of Williston, VT, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2024, at the McClure Miller Respite House. Born on June 24, 1947, in St. Albans, VT, Jim was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, and loyal brother and friend.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Ann (Frechette) Benoit; daughter Margot Rodger, her husband Brian, and their children Liam and Finn; and daughter Alison Wilson, her husband John and their children Carter and Macy. One of six children born to the late Hector and Frances (Duffy) Benoit, he is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law David and Mattie Benoit, Michael and June Benoit, Paul and Susan Benoit, Timothy and Susan “Sukie” Benoit, and sister Patricia Benoit, as well as nephews Jeffrey, Patrick, Joseph, Thomas, niece Sara and their families. Jim was grateful for the longstanding friendships of Shirley Martineau and her late husband Leo, Stanley and Mary Carroll and Moni Dusablon and her late husband Bill. He was predeceased by Ann’s parents, Robert and Simone Frechette, and brothers-in-law John and James Frechette.
Jim was raised in Enosburg, VT. Following his high school graduation, he worked at New England Telephone, where he met his wife Ann. He then enlisted in the Army at the age of 19 and served as a military police dog handler during his tour in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969. Following his years of service and honorable discharge, Jim graduated from the University of Vermont and worked for the Internal Revenue Service from 1974 through 2007 when he retired after 32 years of service.
Upon retirement, Jim further pursued his passion for photography, which originally began in the Army and continued through the years with photographs documenting travels around the United States. In recent years, Jim’s prints were exhibited and sold in multiple businesses and galleries around northern Vermont, appeared in calendars, and on the cover and pages of Vermont Magazine, the ultimate achievement for an amateur photographer.
In addition to photography, Jim’s hobbies included frequent travel with Ann throughout the United States. Together they visited all 252 towns in the state of Vermont to become part of the 252 Club, sharing many scenic drives and good conversation along the way. Sharing his tax and accounting skills, Jim volunteered his time for AARP TaxAide program and as a VFW trustee. He also delighted in attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, where he applied his landscape photography skills to capture dynamic action shots.
Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his quiet wit, artistic talents and legacy of kindness and love will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
Family and friends are invited to visiting hours at the Ready Funeral Home – Mountain View Chapel, 68 Pinecrest Drive, Essex Junction, VT, on Tuesday, November 26th from 1-3 p.m. A memorial service and military honors will follow at 3 p.m. A private burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Jim’s memory to the University of Vermont Cancer Center (https://www.uvm.edu/larnermed/uvmcancercenter/make-gift) or UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice (https://www.uvmhomehealth.org/donate/make-an-online-donation/).
Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services.
To share a message of condolence, please visit readyfuneral.com.
Posted online on November 20, 2024
Published in Burlington Free Press