James Short of Southampton died on November 18. He was 45.
Born on December 21, 1969, he was the son of Melvin F. Benneman and Rozaline Short. As a toddler, he was known to run through the aisles of the King’s Chapel Church of God in Christ of Southampton under the watchful guidance of Dr. Joseph Arnold King and Mother Mable King. During these formative years, he attended Sunday school in the morning, high worship in the afternoon and climbed into the lap of his grandmother, Naomi Benneman, in the afternoon for a nap during the summer seasons of Dr. King’s nightly revival meetings.
He attended Southampton schools, graduating in 1989, and he earned certification as a nursing assistant to pursue a life of service.
Known to be charming and never bashful, Mr. Short rejuvenated his dedication to King’s Chapel with the arrival of a new pastor, Dr. Frank Anthone White, who appointed him to a five-year assignment as head of the church’s choir, The Showers of Blessings.
Dedicated to serving his community, he was the founder of the Hillcrest Street Bazaar, a founding member of the Long Island Fellowship Ensemble, and a volunteer with Catholic Charities and with Maureen’s Haven, providing relief services for the homeless.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Short is survived by his grandparents, Naomi Benneman of Southampton and Fannie Davis of Queens; an uncle, Michael Benneman and wife Brenda of Queens; aunts, Patricia Benneman-Spruill and husband Sherman of Delaware, Jacquelyn Grant and husband George of Charleston; a sister, Loretta Hughs of Mastic; a brother, Edward Mungin of Mastic; a great-aunt, Bertha Ward of Southampton; great-uncles, David Benneman of Southampton and Charles Jackson of Virginia; nieces, Myline, Nevia, Shantell and Lauren; nephews, Avant, Kevon, Maurice, Tyreem and Shaborn; several godchildren; and special friends, Tasha Spruill, Novella Madison, Samuel Johnson, Donessa Walker, Armond Gordon, Stephanie Stevens and Tramar Pettaway.
A funeral service took place on November 24 at King’s Chapel Church of God in Christ, followed by interment at Southampton Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.
on Nov 30, 2015