James Frederick Benthin

BENTHIN, James Frederick (age 76) – Entered into rest following a tragic accident at his home, on August 4, 2018.  Born in Pittsburgh, PA, on March 5, 1942, to Fred and Alberta Benthin, Jim attended Shaler High School. Jim entered the USAF in 1961.  In 1965, following his service enlistment, he then graduated college with a degree in Civil Engineering. Jim began his lifelong career as a professional land surveyor. He worked and partnered with many associates in several local firms. He started James F. Benthin & Associates in 1984. Following his retirement in 2004, James F. Benthin & Associates went international in February of this year, surveying for the US Embassy, Nairobi, Kenya.      Jim was an Elected Fellow, of the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping, a member of the National Society of Professional Surveyors; Western Federation of Professional Land Surveyors; Land Surveyors’ Association of Washington; and past member of the Washington Council of Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors.  He was a member of the Board of Governors, NSPS; State representative to West Federation; President, Ethics Chairman, Registration Chairman, Membership Chairman, Business Practices Chairman, Legislative Committee Chairman all in Land Surveyors Association of Washington; Inland Empire Chapter of L.S.A.W.-President and all committees. For years, Jim helped in writing, grading, and proctoring the land surveying examination. He was also Surveyor of the Year in 1979.      Contributing to his community played a vital role in his life. A past director of the Spokane Lilac Festival Association and a member of The Wishing Star Foundation; current member in many Masonic associations; Associate member, Associated General Contractors; member Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce; member, Momentum ’88; member Better Business Bureau; and a member of the National Federation of Independent Businesses.      A Past Master of Manito Masonic Lodge number 246, Jim also served several years as Lodge Secretary and spearheaded a revival of Lodge membership and participation.  He also served as Lodge Chaplain.  Jim was a 33° Scottish Rite Mason serving twice as the Personal Representative of the SGIG.  A charitable man, Jim was a founding member of Spokane Scottish Rite Charities.  A “mover and shaker” in Spokane Masonry, Jim was a member of the Board of the Spokane Masonic Temple Foundation where he currently served as Treasurer.  Jim was willing and able to serve Spokane Masonry in any position that utilized his acute financial and business capabilities.      Jim was a morally upright husband, father, and friend. His passion was golf which he played three times a week with his many friends. Jim was preceded in death by his wife of fifty years, Nancy, in 2015 and his daughter, Kimberly in 1984.  He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Michael Warren of Spokane; great-grandson, Victor; his sister, Barbara Ritenbaugh of Pittsburgh; several nieces and nephews; numerous friends and Masonic brothers. Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 11:00 AM at RIPLINGER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 4305 N Division, Spokane, WA, 99207, with WB Fred Grubb officiating and Scottish Rite Rose Croix Funeral Team participating. Those who desire, please jot a note with a memory, story, or tall tale reminiscing a time with Jim and either bring to Jim’s service or mail electronically (rip@my180.net) or USPS to “The family of Jim Benthin” c/o Riplinger Funeral Home, for his family to enjoy.  Additionally, all are welcome as Jim's urn will be placed beside his dear wife, Nancy's urn, in their crypt at the Dawn Mausoleum on Monday, August 27, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Greenwood Memorial Terrace Cemetery, with Military and Masonic honors.In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made payable to the Innovia Foundation- for the James and Nancy Benthin Fund. 421 W. Riverside Avenue, Suite 606, Spokane, WA 99201. You can also go online to www.Innovia.org and select their fund.