James Richard Benson-Valdes Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

James Richard Benson-Valdes, 58, of Kissimmee, Florida passed away on January 20, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his husband, Diego Benson- Valdes of Kissimmee, Florida, his four children— Amanda Converse (Jeremy) of Lincoln, Nebraska, Adam Benson (Megan) of Chandler, Arizona, Allyson Myers (Dustin) of Chandler, Arizona, and Alyssa Benson- Valdes of Kissimmee, Florida, his six grandchildren—Jadyn, Trey, Evan, Rhen, Madelyn, and Hudson, and his sisters, Patricia Benson (Krista) of Santa Fe, New Mexico and Angela Benson of Lucerne, California. He is preceded in death by his parents, Betty Benson, and his brother, Robert Anderson. James (Jim) was born on March 26, 1960 in Renton, Washington. His family moved to Lakeport, California, where Jim spent his childhood and adolescence attending the local schools. He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1978. Jim was a brilliant and educated man. He attended the University of Arizona, receiving his Bachelor in the Science of Nursing. Later, he attended the University of Phoenix and received his Masters in Nursing and a Masters in Business Administration. Years later, he attended Graceland University and received his Masters in Family Nurse Practitioner. He practiced as a Nurse Practitioner. He was deeply loved and respected by his colleagues and regarded as the best in his field. Jim was a dreamer. He loved big ideas. Traveling and seeing the world was always on his bucket list but never fulfilled. Instead, he travelled the world at Epcot, taking in the World’s Showcase on his annual passport. Jim was a man of style. He was always well dressed and put together. His grandchildren could identify anything that came from him purely based on scent. He loved children, and his children were his joy in life. He is remembered as a dad for tickling, dancing everywhere, and singing completely off key at the top of his lungs to early 90s pop music. He was a great father! Jim was a fabulous cook and loved food. He could throw completely random ingredients in a pan and make it taste like he belonged on Master Chef. He taught his two oldest daughters to cook, and for that, they will never starve or torture their families. Though, he never loved any food more than cookies and cream ice cream. Jim loved to be outdoors. In his younger days, he was known for taking his children for spontaneous trips hiking, spending the days in woods or near streams, skiing and playing in snow. He loved having his own swimming pool, and laying out to burn. He tanned red. He loved gardening and landscaping. Home improvement was a hobby Jim enjoyed, his taste equivalent of a Home and Gardens magazine cover. Jim loved life and everything it had to offer. He wanted more time— time to live, time to love, time to make more memories. His family wanted more time too. Jim did not want a public viewing. Cancer made him unrecognizable, and Jim wanted everyone to remember him before cancer stole his life. Jim will be cremated and taken to Nebraska, per his wishes.

James Richard Benson-Valdes

March 26, 1960 - January 20, 2019