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Obituary: Jim Benesh

June 11, 1965 ~ February 19, 2022

Jim Benesh, 56, of Sturgeon Bay, died on February 19, 2022, after a brave battle with Multiple Myeloma. He was born in Algoma, WI on June 11, 1965, to Robert and Rose Marie (Boucher) Benesh and raised in Algoma, WI.

On June 22, 1996, Jim married the love of his life, Amy (Dequaine) at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Algoma, WI. Together, they spent the next 25 years making their home in Sturgeon Bay, WI. They welcomed their only child, Hailey, on March 25, 1998. Jim mentioned often that Hailey was his greatest accomplishment.

Jim was a 1984 graduate of Algoma High School, where his love of sports began. Jim was a multi-sport varsity athlete. Realizing his passion for teaching and sports, Jim attended and graduated Cum Laude from UW-Oshkosh in 1990, with a B.S. in Education and Human Services. Jim was hired by the Sturgeon Bay School District directly out of college. Jim would remain there for 32 years, teaching physical education.

Jim coached cross country, football, softball, and both girls and boys basketball. His longest position as  head coach was with the boys basketball program, which he began in 1995. The boys had plenty of big seasons and won several Packerland Conference Championships. Under Head Coach Benesh, Sturgeon Bay Boys Basketball won more than 400 games. Jim will have the honor of being inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame later this Fall.

Jim touched the lives of so many. He was a coach and mentor to kids of all ages—beginners up to the varsity level and beyond graduation. Jim was a good friend to many, sharing his quirky sayings. His “Benesh-isms” made so many laugh. His love for his family was evident. He and Hailey spent endless hours training both on and off the field and court. He often thanked Amy and Hailey for supporting his career and dedication, which required much time away from them. Jim was quoted saying, “It takes a village to build a program”. He felt very blessed to have worked with so many good people. Jim was a man of great faith, believing the outcome of his fight with his disease would be God’s Will.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Amy; daughter, Hailey (Triston) Scoville of De Pere; he is further survived by his sister, Peggy (Mark) Klapperich of Algoma; brother, Dave (Toby) Benesh of Algoma; sister, Cathy Benesh of Detroit, MI; sister-in-law, Wendy (Mark) Zastrow of Algoma; sister-in-law, Kathy Dequaine of Mesa, AZ; sister-in-law, Shelly (special friend, Robert) Englebert of Brussels; brother-in-law, Chad (Jenny) Dequaine of Oshkosh; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Robert and Rose Marie Benesh; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Marvin and Janet Dequaine; his two nephews, Porter Englebert and Tristan Dequaine; his Godson, Parker Englebert.

To honor Jim’s life, a public visitation will be held at the Sturgeon Bay High School Gymnasium on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm.  A private Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at Corpus Christi Church with burial following in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Algoma.   The Forbes Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  On-line condolences may be offered at www.forbesfuneralhome.com

The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at Green Bay Oncology and Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin for their compassionate care.  A special thank you to the MICU at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, the family will establish a memorial fund in Jim’s name.