Approximately 45 appreciative supporters shared the 42nd annual Ben James Primitive Baptist Church and Cemetery fundraiser fish luncheon Oct. 11 in the church fellowship hall. Praises for the organizers of the occasion and honors to dedicated volunteer Danny Tuten highlighted the day.
Trustee Dale Bennett, in welcoming everyone, praised Danny Tuten for “his dedication in operating the sound system for the luncheons for many years. His death Sept. 10, 2025, caused us much sadness, but his memory continues as we so appreciated what he did for the annual benefit for the cemetery.’’ Danny was the son of wellknown Ben James members fish fry founder/trustee Opal Tuten and Leroy Tuten of Hacklebarney Community.
Prior to the welcome and blessing for the fish and chicken feast, Bennett expressed his pride for the cemetery upkeep. He praised other trustees Norma Jean (Tuten) Napier, Gail (Tuten) Hargreaves and Eric Howard. Special recognition and appreciation was given: Stanley and Kasey Strickland, Diane Whitaker, Carol Bennett, Jerry Lee, who fried the fish; Ronnie Bennett, Allen Bennett, Nathan Bennett and Pam Scalf.
Trustee Norman Jean Tuten Napier added her praise to luncheon supporters and gave special praise to Dale and Carol Bennett, calling them ”the backbones of the event.’’ She encouraged those present to encourage young people to come join the fish fry benefit team, “Helping to keep the historic Ben James Cemetery as special and perfectly landscaped as possible.’’
It was noted that the late Opal Moore Tuten is lauded as the originator of the cemetery upkeep, seeing that the grounds are kept neatly with mowing and also seeing to the planting of trees and shrubbery, adding to the picturesque setting of the historic church and cemetery. She was joined by her brother deacon Edgar Moore, now deceased and his wife Jean, also a trustee, in starting the fish fry luncheon years ago.
The historic church was built in 1884. The present dining hall was added in later years. Graves inside the fenced cemetery date back many years. It is said many founding fathers of the county are buried in the cemetery, including Ben James V.
A special highlight was the judging of the third annual dessert contest. This occasion featured 12 entries with Emily Robbins taking the prize for her strawberry pie. Appreciation was given to Korbin Griffin for helping with the contest. He is the son of Kendall and Haley Griffin. His grandparents are Owen Griffiin and the late Sabrina Griffin.
Those wishing to donate toward the cemetery upkeep are invited to send checks/donations to Ben James Cemetery Trust, in care of Dale Bennett, 507 W. Blackshear Ave., Waycross, Ga., 31501
Ben James Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery Trustees( l-r) Norma Jean Napier, Dale Bennett and Gail Hargreaves thank all for coming and thank everyone for making event so successful.
