Mr. Melvin James “Jamie” Benson, 83, of Waynesboro, PA, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Meritus Medical Center, Hagerstown, MD.
Born July 11, 1943, in Greensburg, PA, he was the son of the late Melvin M. and Matilda C. (Silvasy) Benson.
Melvin graduated from Hempfield High School with the Class of 1961. He later attended vocational-technical school, where he learned the HVAC trade.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1961 until his honorable release from active duty in 1964. A paratrooper, Melvin served with the 101st Airborne Division.
On May 20, 1966, he married Mary S. (Simpson) Benson, the love of his life, in Northridge, CA. They shared 39 years of marriage and raised their family together in Grapeville, PA, before making their home in Waynesboro in 2003. Mary passed away July 8, 2005.
Melvin was a member of the Grapeville Volunteer Fire Department in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, PA, the Grapeville Sportsman Association, Waynesboro Country Club, Inc., and The American Legion Post No. 211.
In his younger years, Melvin enjoyed playing softball and hunting with his children. He also enjoyed taking long walks, often through the area around Camp David, usually with a cigar in his mouth. An animal lover, he especially enjoyed the companionship of his dogs over the years, including his chocolate Labs, Spike and Bosco, and his Shetland Sheepdogs, Audi and Winston.
Melvin was a devoted husband, hardworking provider, steadfast father, and a man of deep faith. Following Mary’s passing, his family saw an increasingly sentimental side of him.
He is survived by three children, Patrick J. Benson and his wife, Kristine, of Frederick, MD, Kathleen A. Benson of Hagerstown, MD, and Kenneth R. Benson of Panama City, FL; four grandchildren; one great-grandson; two brothers, Jack Benson and his wife, Hiriko, of Grapeville, PA, and Tim Benson and his wife, Linda, of Hempfield Township, PA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Daniel Benson and Patrick Benson, who died in infancy.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Melvin will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Mary, with military honors at Green Hill Cemetery, Waynesboro.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any local animal shelter and/or SPCA.
Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, Waynesboro, is handling the arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.bowersoxfuneralhomes.com.
