Former City Councilman Jack Benson Dies At 85; Funeral Services Set For Monday

Former City Councilman Jack Benson died surrounded by his family on Thursday night following a bout with cancer. He was 85.

He served 12 years on the council, including several terms as chairman.

Mr. Benson was in the city schools for 26 years, starting out as an elementary teacher at Avondale. He later was principal of East Lake Elementary and Eastside Junior High School. He went into the central office in 1972 as assistant to the superintendent.

After retiring in 1985, Mr. Benson headed Big Brothers Big Sisters for 15 years.

After coming to Chattanooga from Dayton, Tn., he married Kay Wilcox, daughter of political leader Pat Wilcox.

His grandfather, King Benson, was mayor of Dayton. His father was William Erskine Benson, who was an attorney and with the ATF. His mother was Dolly Murphy Benson.

Mr. Benson and his wife have three sons, Mark Wilcox Benson, Patrick Barclay Benson and Jack Benson Jr.

His grandson, Pat Benson, said, "He dedicated his life to public service and his family."

Senator Bob Corker, who was mayor when Mr. Benson was on the council, said, "Jack Benson was truly one of a kind. He cared deeply about our community, his district, public education and most of all, beamed with pride when he talked about his outstanding family. I was honored to serve with him in Chattanooga, and Kay and the children are in my thoughts and prayers."

Todd Womack, Senator Corker’s chief of staff, who worked closely with Mr. Benson when the senator was mayor of Chattanooga, said, "Jack had an insightful story for every occasion and a way of injecting humor and wisdom into the most challenging circumstances. I was honored to work with him and I am so grateful for the many kindnesses he showed me and for his steady friendship over many years. His wonderful family is in my thoughts and prayers."

Funeral services will be held Monday, Jan. 19, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter & Paul Basilica with Father Bertin Glennon officiating.  Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with full military honors.  Honorary pallbearers will be the former mayors and council members with whom he served.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, Jan. 18, from 2-6 p.m. at the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home at 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.