Jim Benson was born on August 28, 1956 and became a charter member of our chapter when it was formed in 1988.  His father is also a charter member of the Cape Fear Chordsmen and was instrumental in the formation of our chapter.  Jim worked as a mechanical engineer at a Wilmington firm.  Throughout his years as a barbershopper, Jim has been a member of several chapter quartets:  The Choral Roberts, Station One, and most recently Hazardous Moving Parts.

Over the years he has generated learning tracks for many of our songs to help fellow barbershoppers learn our music.  He has continued to aid many of our members so that our chorus can grow because of their personal knowledge of our craft. Through his many years as a barbershopper, Jim has given of his time & talents by serving in several different positions on our Board of Directors.  He also sings with the NC Harmony Brigade and the Senior District Chorus.

Jim currently serves as an Assistant Director of our Chorus as well as Tag Master for our weekly rehearsals.  He and his wife, Kathy, have two sons Jamie and Paul.

                                            Congratulations Jim!

At the end of each year, a “Barbershopper of the Year” is selected.
Candidates for this honor must meet the following criteria:

1. Must be an active member of the Cape Fear Chordsmen
2. Must have performed outstanding action(s) for the betterment of the chapter
3. Any active member who has NOT received the BOTY award the previous five (5) years is eligible for this award
   The selection committee consists of the Active award recipients who are available with the second most recent recipient serving as chairman of the committee. The presenter should be the committee chairman or his designee.

THE WORK OF THE SELECTION COMMITTEE SHOULD BE CONFIDENTIAL TO PROVIDE AN ELEMENT OF SURPRISE FOR THE RECIPIENT.

* Denotes deceased member

** No Longer Affiliated/Moved/Transferred/Quit

1997 – Paul Parker*

1998 – Don Schmitt**

1999 – Dave Hogin*

2000 – Tom Head*

2001 – Wally Bader*

2002 – Bob Clark (2)

2003 – Andre Pronko**

2004 – Ed Owens

2005 – Larry Reinhart**

2006 – Richard Millard

2007 – Tom Martyn

2008 – Andre Brillaud**

2009 – Roger Hawkins**

2010 – Jim Bader

2011 – Roy Holzwarth

2012 – Arnold Cosby**

2013 – Joe Loughlin**

2014 – R. Manley Lucas**

2015 – Larry Hunt**

2016 – Douglas Wick

2017 – Don Smith*

2018 – Jim Boyd

2019 – Louis Petroni

2020 – Ken Thomas

2021 – Rusty Brewer

2022 – Richard Millard

2023 -  Jim Benson

2024