James Benton Son, Jr.

ames Benton Son, Jr., 86, of Lompoc, went home to be with Jesus His Lord and Savior on Monday, May 6, 2013. James was born November 5, 1926 in Columbia, Missouri to James Benton, Sr. and Valle Wilkinson-Son. He served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II and during the Berlin airlift. He was later stationed in Okinawa, Japan with the Air Force during the Korean War from 1945 through 1953. After his service, Jim returned home to Long Beach, California and worked as an electrician in Southern California for most of his life. As a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, he was skilled in both marine and general construction. Jim moved from Downey, California to Lompoc in 1981. His favorite pastimes included woodworking and the outdoors to include hunting, fishing, gardening, swimming, golfing, RVing, visiting patients at the Comprehensive Care Center, and volunteering time with Meals on Wheels. He was a member of the American Legion for over 32 years, and belonged to Trinity Church of the Nazarene and loved Calvary Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Ida Son of Lompoc; daughters, Ingrid (Paul) Verrastro and Monika Son; stepchildren, Susan Neeley, Karen (Tony) Marzo, and Gary (Mari) Wright; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held 10 a.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 at Calvary Baptist Church, 3355 Constellation Road in Lompoc, with Pastor Paul Goeller officiating. Private burial was held at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery.