James Edward Benedict

James Edward Benedict (affectionately known as “Big D”) of Groesbeck, Texas passed away January 2, 2016 in Mexia, Texas. Graveside services with military honors will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, January 8, 2016 at Faulkenberry Cemetery in Groesbeck Texas, with Reverend Tracy Sims officiating. James was born February 8, 1921 in Port Arthur, Texas to Van Benedict and Edna Benedict, the first of 6 boys. James proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II, stationed in the South Pacific. In he was with one of the first expeditionary forces to enter Nagasaki Japan after the bombing. In 2014 he was chosen as one of the lucky veterans by Honor Flight to travel to Washington, D.C. to view the WWII Memorial Monument. During his career James worked in the cable system business in Texas. He worked as a Cable Vision engineer in Mexia at the outset of that business. After his retirement at age 65 he worked for many years for the City of Mexia as a crossing guard for Mexia ISD. James married Geraldine Addie Hughey on March 12, 1947 and they were married for 48 years, until her death September 28, 1995. He was preceded in death by his parents; by wife Geraldine Addie Hughey, brothers Glenn, Paul, Howard, Roy and Austin Benedict and Grandson Keith Allen Carroll; and by his special friend Dorothy Lowe of Groesbeck and his beloved dog Chico. Survivors include his daughter Cherie Lator and husband Ned Lator of Houston; a son, Rick Benedict and wife Judy Benedict of McKinney; a daughter Terry Little of Greenville. Grandchildren Leslie Wisenbaker, Brittany Cassel, Alex Lator and Connor Lator. Great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.