James Thomas Benedict Jr., aged 62, beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather, died September 1, 2007, in Camp Verde, AZ. Jim was born in Phoenix, AZ. He spent his formative years in Casa Grande and is a 1963 alumni of Casa Grande Union High School. Jim met and married his wife of 40 years, Vicki in 1967, prior to honorably serving in the United States army as a helicopter crew chief during the Vietnam War. After his discharge, Jim and his wife settled in Flagstaff, AZ where he purchased Ruffs Liquor and Sporting Goods that he managed for six years.

From 1980 to present, Jim developed his career at NAU in the Capital Assets and Services Division, attaining department supervisor status. Jim is also an alumnus of NAU, graduating in 1985 with his BS in Business Administration. Jim's hobbies included firearm collecting, 4-wheeling, John Deere tractors, and he had a passion for historical pioneers and the Jimmy Buffett lifestyle. As the son of a rancher, Jim spent his free time throughout the years at family ranches, the Benedict Feeding Company, the Bar D and the LJ Livestock Company, which eventually grew into his own business, The Dirt Dancer in Camp Verde.

Jim is preceded in death by his father, James T. Benedict, Sr., his mother, Lois Elaine Smith Benedict, and grandson, Garret Reid Benedict. Jim is survived by his wife Victoria Moore; son, Victor James and wife Carole, grandchildren Jesse James, and Lainie-Ruth of Camp Verde; son Jeff Thomas and wife Denise, grandchildren Kevin Joseph, and Katelynn Marie of Phoenix; son, Steven Daniel and wife Michele, grandchildren Logan Daniel, Griffin Joseph, and Morgan James of Flagstaff; daughter Jinnette Ruth and husband Chris, grandchild Kaela Jamie of Phoenix; and son Mark Richmond, of Flagstaff; siblings include, Jude McKenzie of Flagstaff and Betty Rose of La Jolla.

Services will be held 1:00 Saturday afternoon, September 8 at Shepherd of the Hills Evangelical Lutheran Church 1601 N. San Francisco St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001 with a reception immediately following at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Camp Verde Historical Society, PO Box 1184, Camp Verde, AZ or to Northland Hospice, 425 N. Switzer Canyon Dr. Flagstaff, AZ 86001.