John James Benton

2023-02-20T13:02:31-06:00
Army Badge
  • Name: John James Benton
  • Location of Birth: Duluth, Minnesota
  • Date of Birth: November 12, 1893
  • Date of Death: March 17, 1986 (92 years old)
  • Parents: Thomas and Margaret Benton
  • High School and Class: 1913 - Grand Rapids High School, Grand Rapids, Minnesota
  • College: St. Paul College of Law
  • Highest Rank: 1LT (First Lieutenant)
  • Branch: Army
  • Other Branch:
  • Date Sworn In: September 21, 1917 (Enlistment Date)
  • Place Sworn In:
  • Date of Discharge: October 31, 1919 (Discharge Date)
  • Place of Discharge:
  • Military Awards:

  • Military Highlights:
    John served with Company C, 337th Infantry in the United States Army.

    Information in the United States, World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918:
    Name: John J. Benson (John J. Benton)
    Race: Caucasian (White)
    Marital Status: Single
    Birth Date: November 12, 1893
    Birth Place: Minnesota
    Residence Date: 1917-1918
    Residence Place: Gogebic County, Michigan, USA
    Physical Build: Medium
    Height: Tall
    Hair Color: Dark
    Eye Color: Blue

    Information in the United States, World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942:
    Name: John James Benton
    Gender: Male
    Race: White
    Age: 48
    Birth Date: November 12, 1893
    Birth Place: Duluth, Minnesota, USA
    Residence Place: Grand Rapids, Minnesota, USA
    Registration Date: About 1941
    Military Draft Date: 1942
    Height: 5' 10"
    Weight: 180
    Complexion: Light
    Hair Color: Gray
    Next of Kin: Mildred L. Benton (wife)

    Information in the United States, Army Transport Service Arriving and Departing Passenger Lists, 1910-1939:
    Name: John J. Benton
    Departure Date: July 22, 1918
    Departure Place: New York
    Residence Place: Grand Rapids, Minnesota
    Mother: Margaret Benton
    Ship: Carmania
    Military Unit: Company C, 337th Infantry
    Rank: Sergeant
    Notes: Company C, #337th Infantry

  • Wars Involved:
    World War I

  • MIA / POW:

  • Civilian Life:
    John attended Central School in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. He began a law practice in Nashwauk, Minnesota in 1928 after graduating from the St. Paul College of Law. He was Itasca County Attorney from 1934 to 1938, was Grand Rapids City Attorney from 1948 to 1962 and was Itasca County Court Judge from 1963 to 1974.

    Professionally he was a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association, American Bar Association, National Council of Juvenile State Judges and Minnesota State Sheriff's Association.

    He was a 50-year member of the Cap Baker Lions Club and McVeigh-Dunn Post #60 American Legion, was a member of the Itasca Council Knights of Columbus, Grand Rapids Sports Boosters Club and Fraternal Order of Eagles in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

    In a May 17, 1960 Grand Rapids Herald Review "Up In This Neck of the Woods" column, Mr. Benton was called Mr. Baseball. He gave up an opportunity to play professional ball to practice law. He was a player, coach, manager and baseball fan "since the day he was first able to throw a baseball", the column said.

    Survivors are his wife, Mickie; three sons, Thomas, John, Jr., and William; a sister, Margaret Richardson; and three grandchildren.

    Buried in Itasca Calvary Cemetery at Grand Rapids, Minnesota. (Plot C-C-30-0-2)

  • Tribal Affiliation(s):

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