Dr James Stephen Benedict

JAMES S. BENEDICT July 7, 1929 to October 27, 2004 James S. Benedict, artist, writer and physician, died peacefully October 27, 2004 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born July 7, 1929 in Troy, Michigan, Dr. Benedict was a graduate of Albion College and the University of Michigan Medical School. Dr. Benedict and his wife of 5 3 years, Muriel (Goodell), were married in Lansing, Michigan. After completing residences at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, and Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit,

Dr. Benedict and his family settled in San Pedro in 1963. For thirty-one years, Dr. Benedict served several area hospitals as a thoracic surgeon. He was past-president of the Long Beach Surgical Society and a former Chief of Staff at St. Mary's Medical Center (Long Beach). Upon retirement in 1994, Dr. Benedict changed from a Sunday painter to an accomplished, artist. In January of 1995, he enrolled at California State University, Long Beach, to study art. Dr. Benedict completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1999 and a Master of Fine Arts in 2002. He was a Life Member of the American Physicians Art Association and served as editor of its newsletter for 24 years. He was also a member of the San Pedro Art Association and a Life Member of the Long Beach Arts.

In addition to his wife, Dr. Benedict is survived by his sons, Gerald and Thomas; and his dau ghters, Ruth and Carol. Survivors also include two daughters-in-law; two sons-in-law, ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one brother; Ben Benedict of Portland, OR; and two sisters, Mary Grindol of Winterhaven, FL. and Louise Lininger of Battle Creek, MI.

He was preceded in death by his son, George; and his sister, Doris Miller. The memorial service for Dr. Benedict will be at 3:00pm, Sunday, October 31, 2004 at the United Methodist Church, 580 W. Sixth St., San Pedro. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society or to Toberman Settlement House (131 N. Grand Ave., San Pedro, 90731)

Source: The Long Beach Press-Telegram on Oct. 29, 2004