Mr. James Paul "Benjie" Benjamin, 58, of Riverview, Florida, passed away Friday, January 11, 2008 at Kindred Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Benjie had lived in this area for 29 years, moving from Elmira, New York. Earlier in life Benjie was a Sword Swallower and a Fire Eater, later in life he was a member of the American Orchid Society. Benjie's main interests were family, friends, pets and orchids. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Benjamin and LaVina (Bastian) Benjamin. Benjie is survived by his wife Phyllis (Zendzion) Benjamin of Riverview, Florida. They were married on January 1, 1981. He is also survived by his son, Jason Benjamin of Riverview, Florida; stepson, Robert Wood of Plano, Texas; stepdaughters, Penny Lozano of Princeton, Texas, Theresa Kearney of Harris, New York, and Scheyenne Langley of St. Petersburg, Florida; 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.