Obituary – George "Jack" Benson, 6-6-1925 to 1-29-2025
Retired Navy pilot Jack Benson drew his last breath on January 29, 2025, just five months shy of his 100th birthday. Jack died peacefully in his sleep at home under the tender care of his loyal life partner and co-adventurer of 36 years, Joyce Newman.

George Albert "Jack" Benson was born on June 6, 1925 in Kansas City, MO. The middle child of five siblings, Jack grew up in Baltimore, MD. The first in his family to graduate from college, he received his degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland.

After graduation, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving for 27 years until he retired as a Commander in 1975, having been awarded dozens of service medals. As a pilot and flight instructor, Jack flew P-2 aircraft and compiled 6,000 flight hours doing reconnaissance missions in and around Korea, Vietnam and Japan.

In retirement, Jack continued to pursue his passion for adventure, logging an additional 1,000 hours as a private pilot and sailing 10,000 miles throughout the Caribbean, mostly solo. Jack lived in San Diego, Hawaii and finally the Florida Keys, where he met Joyce Newman in 1989. Together they continued to share flying and boating adventures, which included travel to France, Austria, Scotland, the Czech Republic, Finland, Canada and the U.S.

Jack and Joyce first visited Silver City in 1994 and returned from the Florida Keys every summer in an RV. They continued splitting their time until the spring of 2024, when they became full-time Silver City residents, in a home they had purchased in 2005.

After decades of flying, boating and driving to exotic locations around the globe, Jack was grounded by the inevitable effects of aging. He never lost his mischievous sense of humor, insatiable intellectual curiosity, or devotion to Joyce, his best friend and life partner. Jack's death is mourned by friends from Florida, California, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Montana, New Mexico and more. He had a huge fan club and was described as: full of life, a true gentleman, a great and loyal friend, a good hugger, a good- natured teaser, always appreciative of a good meal, a loyal man of his word and a true Renaissance man.

While having an abundance of stories to share from his own incredible storybook life, Jack's genuine interest in other people led him to ask questions and listen intently to their stories and accomplishments. He was always sincere in his appreciation of their talents, skills and expertise. He would be the first to praise or act on behalf of those he admired. He was a gracious and generous host, an engaging companion, serious when he needed to be (as when flying a plane), but also quick to laugh. Jack was kind-hearted and someone to be counted on, no matter what. Above all, he lived his life with integrity, consistent with his values.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents George John Benson and Emma Elizabeth Jenkins and his siblings, Elsie, Georgia, Bob and Bill. He is survived by his devoted life partner Joyce Newman and nephew Douglas Blackiston of Hampstead, MD. According to Jack's wishes, his body was cremated and there will be no formal service. Donations in Jack's name may be made to the Autism Research Institute (4182 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116).

Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trust care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.