Fortified with the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church, September 29, 2026. Beloved husband of Margaret Benedick (nee Beishir), he was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Jeanne Benedick (nee Toomey); loving father of James Jr. (Caitlin), Mary (Derec) Guilstorf, Matthew, and John Benedick; dear grandfather of Jane, Frederick, and Owen; dear brother of Karen (Jack) Carroll, Richard Jr. (Susan), Thomas (Manuela), and the late Judy (Steve) Olson.
Born April 6, 1963, he was raised and educated in the Catholic faith at St. Martin of Tours in Lemay, Missouri. He purchased a house in the City of St. Louis in 1987 and joined Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, where he married Margaret in 1989, worshipped every Sunday, and sent his four children to elementary school. As an active parishioner he shared his time, talents, and treasure in the Eucharistic Ministry, Marriage Preparation Program, Annual Catholic Appeal, Men’s Club, Building with Faith Campaign, Parish Picnics, and as a CYC baseball coach, before rejoining St. Martin of Tours Parish later in life.
As a public servant, he was employed by the City of University City for twenty-two years and the City of Richmond Heights for eighteen. By attending night school over the years, he worked his way up from the Parks Department to the role of Building/Zoning Administrator. His reputation of dependability, attention to detail, and calm presence accompanied him in his professional life.
As an avid outdoorsman, sportsman, Cardinals and Blues fan, history buff, and moviegoer, he enjoyed the simpler things in life and took pride in his physical fitness. His greatest joys in life, though, were his wife, children, and his grandchildren, who were by his side in his final moments. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.
Services: Visitation at Kutis South County Chapel (5255 Lemay Ferry Rd, St. Louis, MO 63129) on Wednesday 10/7 from 4PM to 8PM; Funeral Mass at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church (610 W Ripa Ave, St. Louis, MO 63125) on Thursday 10/8 at 10AM; Interment at Resurrection Cemetery (6901 Mackenzie Road
St. Louis, MO 63123).
In lieu of flowers, please offer Masses for his soul and/or send a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
I would like point out what a great guy Jim is. I worked with him from his first days as an inspector in UCity until he moved on to Richmond Heights. They don’t come any better than Jim. I was very proud of him as I watched him work and study over the years to gain very credible knowledge and skills to become a Certified Building Official. Even after I retired and moved on to another municipality, I would contact him to get consultation on different issues. As a co-worker and friend I am very saddened by his passing. I can only hope the lord has great plans for Great Guy. My prayers, condolences, sympathy and thoughts go out to Peg and family.
To know Jim was to love him. He was quiet, but it wasn’t hard to know him. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. I was talking with his sister in law Kathy and she was telling me a story about Peggy asking him what he wanted for each of his children. His answer was so beautiful …. HEAVEN. That to me is the embodiment of Jim. What a beautiful legacy he has left. Go rest high on that mountain♥️
Jim was one of the most kind and loving and spiritual persons I have ever known. His faith was the center of his being and his love for his family was so beautiful to see. He found a perfect wife in my sweet friend Peggy. They have an amazing family that will somehow manage this earthly life without him because of their faith and love in God Almighty which came from Jim and Peggy. God Bless you and Keep you. Love Susie T