James Michael Benson

James "Jamie" Michael Benson, age 51 of Madison, passed away on July 11, 2014.

He was born on October 27, 1962 in Madison, WI, the son of Virgil R. Benson and Sharon L. Benson (Ashard). Jamie was a lifelong resident of Madison. He attended Lafollette High School and graduated Diesel Truck Driving School. Growing up Jamie spent summers traveling with his families food concession business, working fairs and festivals. Before pursuing his OTR trucking career Jamie ventured into small business, roofing and limousine service, but his true passion was trucking. He enjoyed the road, traveling America 's highways seeing the beautiful country thru the windshield of his truck. Often passing the time and miles singing his "trucker's road songs" to his little dog co-pilots Duke and Shorty, they were always at his side or on his lap. Jamie loved to sing Karaoke, follow NASCAR and Wisconsin Sports. Inspired by his Grandpa Bill Ashard James became an avid pool player. Although he always was on the road, "keeping the wheels turning" he would always keep in touch with family with a phone call or a visit.

Jamie is survived by his father Virgil (Pat) Benson of Pollock Pines, California, Brother William (Remick) Benson of Sun Prairie WI, Sister Susan (Dean Olson) Benson of Lodi and Brother Joe (Carole) Benson of Sun Prairie. Aunt Mary Sue (Charles) Miller of Sun Prairie, Aunts Myrl Lynn Glass and Nadeen Schupbach both of Carson City, Nevada, many cousins, nieces and nephews and Great-Nieces and nephews, and last but not least his little dog Shorty.

James was preceded in death by his Grandfather's William "Bill" Ashard and James Virgil Benson, cousin Christopher Gilmore, Grandmother's Lorraine Ashard and Treva Benson, Mother Sharon Benson, Aunts Donna (Ted) Gary, Nancy (Ozzy) Dolsey, Sandra (Glen) Gilmore, Becky Melton and Janice Celiceo.

A visitation will be held at Highland Memory Gardens on July 22, 2014 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM and graveside services at Highland Memory Gardens 3054 County Road BB in Madison, WI will be held July 22. 2014 at 11:30 am, with a memorial luncheon to follow service at VFW Post 9362 349 S. Walker Way in Sun Prairie, WI.