BENNICK, Paul (PJ) James

The Payson Roundup, Payson, Arizona, Tuesday, July 15, 2014 Paul “PJ” James Bennick October 16, 1931 - July 9, 2014 Paul James Bennick, 82, died July 9, 2014 at his home in Payson, Ariz. Paul was born Oct. 16, 1931 in Rockford, Ill. In 1959, he moved his family to Phoenix, Ariz. Paul, best known as PJ, founded the PJ Bennick Company in 1976, where he worked with two of his children. Tom and Julie learned the business from their Dad and eventually took over when PJ retired. Whoever thought he wasn’t pulling the strings (us) when he “retired” was grossly mistaken! The respect he showed not only his customers, but his employees is what set PJ apart. His business acumen, passion, leadership and foresight was evident in every part of the business. Paul had a great dedication to providing for his family. His work ethic is only one example of his legacy to his family. There will never be another PJ Bennick Co., just as there will never be another PJ. He will be missed by all (except Obama). Paul was fortunate to have two loves of his life. His first wife, Ann, his high school sweetheart passed away in 1983. Together they raised four children. In 1992, Paul met and married Carole just a short year later. Life together was full of friends, travel and family. Paul enjoyed winning at cards, playing Mexican train and enjoying a good glass of wine. He and Carole took great trips with dear friends throughout the country. There were fun trips to Alaska and Hawaii as well as travel to Canada and Europe. Many memories were made throughout his life. Paul was a fun-loving, caring, adventuresome, one-of-a-kind guy whom so many of us loved. We were all fortunate to have him in our lives. Paul is survived by his wife, Carole Bennick; his children and spouses, Jodi (husband, Mark), Tim (wife, Suzanne), Julie, and Tom. Paul also had three adult stepchildren and 16 grandkids. A Celebration of Life service will be held Tuesday, July 15, 2014, at the Messinger Mortuary, Fountain Hills, located at 12065 N. Saguaro Blvd. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Mayo Clinic Arizona for heart research. For additional information, contact Messinger Fountain Hills, (480) 837-5588.