Hometown: Maquoketa, Iowa May 22, 1947 - November 15, 2014

Jack C. Benton, 67, of Maquoketa passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at Crestridge Care Center in Maquoketa.

His Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Lahey Funeral Home in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., also at Lahey Funeral Home in Maquoketa. Burial will take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa next to his beloved parents and sister.

Jack Charles Benton was born on May 22, 1947 in Elwood, Iowa to Kenneth and Charlotte (Gartman) Benton. Jack was born into a farm family and he loved working the land. None of his physical limitations ever stopped him from being outdoors, running farm machinery, and managing farm business. He lived on the farm near Elwood with his family until 1974 when they moved to Maquoketa, Iowa. He moved back to the farm in 1998 after his mother's death. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa.

He was especially close to his father, Kenny. They were inseparable as business partners, travel mates, fishermen and family men. Truly, Jack had the heart of a devoted family man. He loved his extended family and to be in touch with his aunts and uncles and many cousins and their children and grandchildren. He loved to attend the school and sports functions of his family members.

Jack bought a home on the Mississippi river near Bellevue, Iowa in the 1970's and spent many cherished hours on the river throughout his lifetime. He loved to share his vacation home with his family. He loved to fish, he loved to boat, and he simply loved being in nature.

His mind was sharp as a tack and his laughter infectious. In his prime, he was strong as an ox. He loved animals and children. He loved to travel and was able to see much of the United States including Alaska. He loved to read he especially loved the novels of the wild west. He even learned to ride snowmobiles with his cousins in Colorado. Though Jack was a man who faced challenges that might well have stopped most of us, he was never heard to utter a word of complaint. Jack was a good friend and a kind man. He will be missed.

Jack is survived by many first, second, third, and fourth cousins as well as one uncle.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister Barbara Sue.

In lieu of flowers the family would like memorials to be given to Camp Courageous in Jack's memory.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.laheys.com