Mr. Scott "Jim" Benton Jr. died Dec. 25. The son of Mrs. Mary Dean Jackson Benton and the late Mr. Scott Benton Sr. and the second of 11 children, he was born in Newton County in 1945. He was preceded in death by sisters Artie Mae Benton and Margret Ann Holloway. He joined New Hope Baptist Church at a young age and was a graduate of R.L. Cousins High School, class of 1964. He was a star basketball player. After graduation, he became employed as a truck driver. For more than 25 years he worked for Williams Brothers Concrete Company. During his spare time he enjoyed music, card games and checkers. He married Shirley Robinson and the couple was blessed with four children whom he adored. He was also the proud father of two additional children. Mr. Benton was devoted to his family. He was a very loving and caring person who enjoyed making others laugh. Having a good sense of humor, he was considered the life of the party.

Surviving are children Michael Benton, Kimberly Corbett, Brian Benton, Reginald Benton, Scott Williams, Cowanna Maddox; son-in-law Onthony Corbett; daughters-in-law Melinda Benton, Andrenita Benton, Sheley Williams; grandchildren Destiny Jacob, Jamarius, Trinity, Brian, Shelece; mother Mrs. Mary D. Benton, sisters Pearlene (Kenneth) Morgan, Lucille (David) Holloman, Sandra Y. Ammons, Frances Allison; brothers Clarence Benton, Jerome Benton, Emanuel (Hazel) Benton, Larry Benton; brothers-in-law Bernard Ammons; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Dec. 30 at Grace United Methodist Church with the Rev. Matt Murphy, the Rev. Harold Cobb and the Rev. Kenneth Morgan. Interment followed in Lawnwood Memorial Park.