NEW PARIS – Jay E. Benson, 68, of New Paris, and formerly of Winona Lake, died Jan. 5, 2013, in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, following an intraventricular hemorrhage Dec. 18. He was born May 16, 1944, in Peoria, Ill., to John C. and Mary C. Wells Benson. On Oct. 28, 1967, in Winona Lake, he married Victoria Raye Goodman, who survives. He was president of World Missionary Press Inc. since 1988. He lived in Winona Lake then New Paris since 1976, when he returned from four and a half years as a literature missionary in Indonesia. He graduated from Warsaw High School in 1962 and Greenville College in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree. In his senior year he was chosen by the faculty to appear in “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.” The following year he receive a master’s degree in journalism from Syracuse University, New York. He served as managing editor of “Light and Life,” the denominational magazine of The Free Methodist Church of North America. He also served as editor of “Youth in Action” magazine and “Current,” a magazine for pastors. From 1972-76, the Bensons served as literature missionaries in association with Kamal Hindu, the publishing house of The Christian and Missionary Alliance, Bandung, Indonesia. He coordinated the publishing of three million copies of the “Help From Above” scripture booklet in three languages for World Missionary Press, many of which were distributed through C&MA ministries. In 1976, he and his wife returned to the United States to work with World Missionary press, a worldwide donor-supported ministry of publishing scripture booklets and Bible-study booklets in more than 335 languages for free distribution worldwide. He first served as assistant to the president (father-in-law and WMP co-founder, Watson Goodman) in the areas of production and distribution. In 1987, he was named vice-president of WMP, and 17 months later was appointed president by the WMP board of directors. During his tenure as president, WMP more than doubled productions volume, and in 2012 reached the highest level of contributions in its history. His vision was to dramatically increase production to meet the urgent needs around the world, trusting God to “do the impossible” in providing for that increase. In answer to prayer, this increase was in process at the time of his sudden Home-going. Also surviving are a son, Jeffrey C. (and spouse Dana) Benson, Aurora, Ill.; three grandchildren; and three brothers: Dale M.D. (and spouse Barb) Benson, Indianapolis; Paul (and spouse Barbara) Benson, Anacortes, Wash.; and Dan (and spouse Kathy) Benson, Colorado Springs, Colo. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at LifePoint Church, formerly Goshen First Church of God, 1006 S. 16th St., Goshen, with Pastor Troy Scott officiating. Burial will be in Violett Cemetery. Calling is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen. ***** Memorials may be directed to World Missionary Press Inc., New Paris, IN, or online at www.wmpress.org Condolences may be sent via www.yoderculpfuneralhome.com
