James Lee (Jim) Bengtson, son of Samuel A. And Verona E. (Westman ) Bengtson was born on August 3, 1934, in Essex, Iowa. He passed away on February 2, 2008 at the age of 73.

Jim grew up on the family farm in Essex, Iowa graduating from Essex High School in 1952. Jim served in the United States Army from August 1954 until April 1956. He also attended Clarinda Junior College and graduated from there in May 1958.

On October 14, 1956, Jim was united in marriage to Shirley Mae Johnson at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Essex. Following their marriage the couple made their home on a farm northwest of Essex where Jim remained until the time of his death.

After returning from service in the U.S. Army, he farmed in the Essex area. In 1971 he began living out his dream of flying. He retired in 1998 as manager and flight instructor at Shenandoah Aviation. After retirement, he went back to farming until the time of his death.

Music was important to Jim and his family. He and his brothers, John and Joe, sang at many church events and funerals. Jim was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Essex. He was also a member of the Shenandoah American Legion Post #88, a member and sponsor of Duck's Unlimited and a former member of the Masonic Lodge.

Jim loved farming, flying, being outdoors, bowling, and spending time with his family.

Preceding Jim in death were his parents, Sam and Verona; his wife, Shirley; and sister, Rita Drake.
Survivors include his daughters, Jana Schmidt and husband Jeff of Essex, Cindy Johnson and special friend Bob Moore of Plain City, OH, and Kari Jensen and husband Mike of Birnamwood, WI; six grandchildren, Jeremy Schmidt and wife Christina, Jake Schmidt, David and Lauren Johnson, Andrew and Megan Jensen; three great-grandchildren, Whitney, Cole, and Halee Forbey; brothers, John Bengtson and wife Lucy of Essex, Joe Bengtson and wife Judy of Shenandoah; other relatives and many friends.

Memorial Services were held on Friday, February 8, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. from the Presbyterian Church in Essex. Words of comfort were given by Pastor Jerry Lamb and Reverend Rick Sleyster. The musical selection included "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow", "Sweet By and By", and "In The Garden". Glen Confer and Clay Walker served as ushers. In charge of the register book was Vivian Walker and Linda Burnison. Honorary casket bearers were Jeremy Schmidt, Jacob Schmidt, David Johnson, Lauren Johnson, Andrew Jensen, Megan Jensen, Terry Johnson, Dick Johnson, Harve Johnson, Gary Holmes, Jim Maher, and Ernie Liljedahl. Military rites were accorded by the Shenandoah American Legion Post #88. Inurnment was in Essex Cemetery in Essex. Memorials in Jim's name are being directed to the Essex Presbyterian Church or the Essex Fire and Rescue.