John James Benton

Roberta Truempler2025-03-03T13:39:48-06:00

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):