James Adams Benjamin

James Adams Benjamin, 94, of Conyngham, entered into eternal life surrounded by family late Thursday evening, April 2, 2026, at The Manor at St. Luke Village in Hazleton.

Born in Conyngham, September 24, 1931, James was the son of the late James Franklin and Ruth Miriam (Adams) Benjamin and had spent most of his life in the Conyngham Valley.

James was a US Army veteran, having served our country during the Korean War. He retired as a general foreman from the Boilermakers having been on jobs at the PPL Nuclear Power Plant, Berwick, PPL Montour Power Plant, Washingtonville, and various others throughout the East. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local #13 for over 70 years. James was on the planning commission for Conyngham Borough and later became their zoning officer. He was a member of Christ UCC, Conyngham, a past Chaplin and member of Hazle Azalea Fellowship Lodge #327, and a member of the Caldwell Consistory, Bloomsburg.

Above all, James took pride in his family, his community, and the life that he had worked so hard to build. In his years since retirement, his days were spent at home with his beloved wife. They would take rides around the valley, picking up the mail, and watching the progress of the area they built a life in over their 90 years with us. Jimmy, as Helen always called him, would tinker around their home, keeping up with house projects and riding his John Deere tractor. His early childhood memories of working on the farms were a fondly remembered time in his life, and his time outside on that tractor took him back to those bygone days. At night, with his highball in hand, he would enjoy those classic TV comedies and westerns that he could sometimes recite by word. His cat, Franz, was always close by. Being a member of the community for so long, James had a wealth of knowledge on the history of the area and was always willing to share those stories from the past.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his devoted wife, the former Helen Sachse, who passed away December 20, 2023; and a granddaughter, Stephanie Arnold, who passed away February 8, 2009. Surviving are two children, Beth Ann Arnold, Wynnewood; and Robert James Benjamin and his wife Gloria, Hazle Township; three grandchildren, Kristen and David Arnold, both of Wynnewood; and Jessica Benjamin, Hazle Township; a great-grandson, Christopher Arnold, Wynnewood; a sister, Gloria Thomas, Toccoa Falls, GA; and several nieces and nephews.

James' funeral will be held privately at the convenience of his family. Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. (East), 669 West Butler Drive, Drums, is assisting the family with the arrangements. The family would like to thank his home health aid, Nersa, for taking such good care of him while he was home, Dr. Benyo for overseeing his care through the years, and the staff and caregivers at Forest Hills, Weatherly, and St. Luke's Manor, for their kindness and compassion during his stay with them.

Memorial donations may be made to Christ Church UCC, Conyngham, or to the Hazleton Animal Shelter. Online condolences can be entered, and more information is available at www.harmanfuneral.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Adams Benjamin, please visit our floral store.