Funeral services for James Matt Benesh Sr., 87, of Myrtle, will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Hayward Lutheran Church. The Rev. John Malm will officiate. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Glenville. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service.

Jim died on Sunday, March 23, 2008, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

James Matt Benesh Sr. was born on Jan. 3, 1921, to James and Zdenka (Kaliwoda) Benesh in Freeborn County. Jim was baptized and confirmed in Trondhjem Lutheran Church. He attended school in District 75. Jim married Irene Kycek on May 18, 1946. He was a lifelong farmer and resident of Freeborn County. Jim served on various boards in his lifetime. He was treasurer of District 75, a director for the Hayward Bank for more than 30 years and served on the board at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home for 20 years. Jim was the treasurer of Western Fraternal Lodge 44 for 33 years and had been a member for more than 50 years. He was also a member of the Eagles of Albert Lea. Jim&8217;s greatest joy was his grandchildren. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, mowing lawn, and going for coffee with the guys.

Survivors include his wife, Irene; daughters, Elaine (Dave) Monson of Rochester and Arlene (Raymond) Miller of Ellendale; son James Jr. (Janice) Benesh of rural Austin; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers, Ernest Benesh of Owatonna and Richard (Marcy) Benesh of Albert Lea; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph; and granddaughter, Jamie.

Blessed be his memory.