James VanBenschoten

James C. VanBenschoten, 79, of Saugerties, NY, passed away on Monday, November 8, 2021 at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck, NY. He was born on July 14, 1942 in Suffern, NY, and was the son of the late Milton and Irene (Lynch) VanBenschoten. Jim was married to the late Joyce D. Griswold. They wed on August 19^th, 1967. He passed away peacefully listening to “Moon River”, their wedding song.

He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Defiance College in Ohio in 1967 and was a proud member of the TKE Fraternity. Jim also received his Master’s Degree from Montclair College in New Jersey in 1973.

Jim, “Mr. Van”, was a Social Studies Teacher at Kingston High School for 26 years, as well as an Advisor for the Student Association. He went on to serve as an Assistant Principal for KSCD. After retirement, he worked as a consultant for the district in addition to being a substitute teacher. His dedication and love for teaching was admired and respected throughout the community.

Jim was an active member of the Flatbush Reformed in Saugerties for over 50 years. He held many important and essential positions that were vital to the church’s daily functions. He dedicated his life to doing Christ’s work and his gift of song will be greatly missed.

In addition, Jim loved traveling, camping and spending time with his family and friends. The pride he had for his children and grandchildren was abundant. He enjoyed watching his grandsons play baseball and loved having tea parties with his granddaughters. His life was full of making memories and creating traditions.

Jim is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Ciaccio and her husband Tony of Apex, NC, and Julie McHugh of Glasco, NY, his grandchildren, Kristina, Nicholas, AJ, Drew, Grace, and Lilly, his siblings, Thomas VanBenschoten and his wife Sandy, and Patricia Stephenson, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, Kingston, NY. A memorial service will be held on Saturday May 14^th 2022 at 11am at the Flatbush Reformed Church, 1844 NY-32, Saugerties, NY 12477, followed by inurnment in at the Wiltwyck Cemetery Mausoleum, Kingston. In lieu of flowers, donations can made in honor of Jim to the church. A tribute for him can be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for his family.