JAMES EDWARD BENKERT, a resident of Willow Grove for the past 54 years, died at his home on June 20, 2010. He was the beloved husband of Janet E. Fisher Benkert.

Born in Cleveland, OH, he was the son of the late William Porter Benkert and the late Laura Bemisderfer.

Mr. Benkert served with the 103rd combat engineers in the 28th division of the US Army during World War II. He was captured in the Battle of the Bulge and became a German Prisoner of War in Zittau, Germany. He was a Purple Heart Recipient and was honorably discharged in 1945. Some of his recent illnesses were attributed to his capture. He proudly supported his fellow POW's.

In 1985, Mr. Benkert retired from Zenith Electronics where he was the Plant Manager.

He was an animal lover, avid reader and enjoyed photography.

In addition to his wife of 59 years, he is survived by his devoted nephews; Edmund G. Dale of Aston, PA, Lawrence C. Dale and his wife Frances of Lafayette Hill, PA and by several other nieces and nephews. He was also the loving "Unc" to the children of his lifelong friends.

His funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 24, 2010, Baron Rowland Funeral Home, 1059 Old York Road, Abington, where relatives and friends will be received from 10:30 until the time of the service. Burial will be in Whitemarsh Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be sent to Abington Memorial Hospital Home Care Hospice, 2510 Maryland Road, Suite 250, Willow Grove, PA 19090.