James Benford
James Weldon Benford, 80, of Chattanooga, passed away on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at his residence.
He played the trumpet in Howard High School’s Marching Band and graduated in the class of 1956. James was a veteran of the United Air Force. He received his Associate Degree in Business Management and Administration. He was a member of the Chattanooga Gospel Orchestra, Spectrum Jazz Band, UTC Cadez Community Band, and American Legion Band Post 95. He was employed by Norfolk-Southern Railroad for many years. James retired from Kenco Inc. after 31 years of service. He was a member of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church where he sang in the Male Chorus.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ida Benford; brother, Walter Benford; sisters, Tommie McKinney, Olivia Benford, and Pauline Benford.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Benford; daughter, Sandra Stegall of Chattanooga; sons, Anthony Benford of Chattanooga, Michael (Gwendolyn) Benford of Powder Springs, GA, and Ramon Benford of Chattanooga; 12 grandchildren; several nieces; nephews; cousins; a host of other relatives and friends.
He will lie in state on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 9 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at noon in the chapel with Pastor Ternae Jordan Jr as the eulogist. Burial will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.