James George Benziger ’36 *41

Jim died Oct. 2, 1995. He graduated from Stonyhurst College in England, received both his BA and PhD from Princeton, where he majored in English and played rugby. He was elected to Phi Beta Kappa in his senior year.

Prior to joining the faculty of Southern Illinois U. in 1950, he taught at Northwestern U., NYU, and Carlton College.

He retired from SIU in 1982 as professor emeritus. During his academic years he published extensively and his book Images of Eternity was regarded as a seminal work in its field. He was a dedicated teacher, and he considered the Alumni Great Teacher award his greatest academic honor. He participated in a variety of university and community activities and was for many years on the board of the local Episcopal church.

During WWII he served in the Air Force for five years, rising to captain as an intelligence officer in the 362nd Fighter Group in the European theater.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Rey Benziger, a daughter, Katherine, two sons, Brad and Vincent, and two grandsons, Lachlan and Ross.

Jim was a man of intellect but also a devoted father who enriched his children's lives with storytelling, camping, hiking, and travels. He was known as a witty conversationalist and a kind human being. He will be missed by his friends in our class.

The Class of 1936