Jim Benson, MDiv has been a resident of San Angelo for the past 25 years. Following a tour in Vietnam in his 20’s, Jim chose to follow God’s calling to the ministry.  He obtained  a Bachelor of Science Degree from Midwestern State University, and subsequently obtained his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Thelological Seminary in 1977. 

After he and his family  moved to San Angelo, Jim served as hospital Chaplain for Shannon Medical Center for 14 years.  During his tenure at Shannon, he ministered to hospital and patients alike and earned his  Chaplaincy Certificate from Scott and White hospital.  He served on the hospital Ethics and Pallative Care Committee as well as developing a hospital volunteer program specific to the needs of patients. 

After retiring from Shannon, Jim served as Pastor to Melvin Baptist Church for several years.  Jim is married to Margaret Benson, RHIA, former Compliance Officer and Director of Medical Records at Shannon.  They raised two sons here in San Angelo, Michael who is now married to Bree Benson and their baby Grace, and Aaron Benson.  He joined the staff here at First Baptist in fall of 2024, where he serves as Associate Pastor of Senior Ministry.