Jackson G. Benson, Jr.

Jackson Gerard Benson, Jr., affectionately known as Gerard or “Jack,” transitioned peacefully on July 8, 2025, at the age of 72. Born June 9, 1953, he was the second child of Jackson Gerard Benson, Sr. and Frances Lou Emma Pogue Benson. He was a proud descendant of a long line of educators and ministers, including eleven Presbyterian ministers and one Methodist bishop.

Gerard’s life was firmly rooted in spirituality. He was baptized at Memorial United Presbyterian Church, where his beloved mother nurtured in him a deep and abiding faith. As he grew older, his spiritual journey expanded into the world of Siddha Yoga — a path of meditation, chanting, and introspective devotion that became central to his daily life, especially during times of health challenges. For Gerard, music was prayer, and life itself was a sacred journey toward understanding God.  His favorite quote, — “The whole point of life is to acquire the knowledge of God” — encapsulated the foundation of both his spirituality and his artistic calling.

A Life of Music, Mentorship, and Meaning

Gerard was a gifted jazz bassist with a career that spanned more than 50 years. From a young age, music was in his bones. He attended Our Lady of Consolation Catholic School, where his early sense of humor revealed itself. (When asked in fourth grade about Christ’s last words, Gerard famously quipped: “Will someone get me down from here?”)

He later attended West Charlotte High School and then graduated from Independence High School in 1971. Gerard studied mathematics at both UNC Chapel Hill and Johnson C. Smith University, following in the footsteps of his father, who had chaired JCSU’s math department. But his true calling was always music.

He studied under Charlotte legends like Blanche Rann Oliver, L. Augustus Paige, Chief Holloway, and the esteemed Bill Hanna. As he matured as an artist, Gerard began mentoring the next generation of jazz musicians — generously sharing his time, talent, and wisdom. Over the years, he played with some of Charlotte’s finest, including L.A. Paige, Jr., Don Thompson, Calvin Edwards, Jim Stack, Bobby Plair, Sr., Bobby Plair, Jr., Tony Cooper, Beth Chorneau, Daryl Ryce, and Leland Person to name a few from a cherished list that is very long.

He performed with the gospel praise team at Covenant Presbyterian Church, played for decades in jazz clubs and private venues across the region, and co-founded The Dream Makers and A Sign of the Times Big Band. Gerard could groove on any standard, adapt to any genre, and elevate every gig with his calm, grounding presence.

A Spirit of Courage and Resilience

At age 40, Gerard’s life took a challenging turn when he was diagnosed with kidney failure. Courageously, he became one of the earliest recipients in North Carolina of a high-risk dual kidney and pancreas transplant. He drew strength from his yoga practice, spiritual discipline, and unshakeable Christian faith — seeing his transplanted organs not just as a medical miracle, but as a divine gift. A beautiful thread of this story: Gerard’s friend and fellow guitarist, Andre Ferreri, happened to be the pilot who flew the donated organs to Charlotte. The Benson family is eternally grateful for this extraordinary and serendipitous connection. Remarkably, Gerard’s transplanted organs sustained him for 32 years! Hallelujah!

A Life of Deep Connections

Gerard’s life was also rich in love. He shared 34 devoted years with his late partner Ella Louise Parker — a legendary chef and artist in her own right. Gerard and Louise were both artists in their chosen fields. The descendants of Rev. Dr. John Parker are extended family. More recently, Gerard found companionship and creative synergy with musician Judith Porter. Together, they performed around Charlotte and taught educational concerts at Gaston Community College, blending classical and jazz styles into performances full of soul and spontaneity.

Above all, Gerard cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved sister, Dr. Donna J. Benson. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Jacqueline G. Benson. He also leaves behind an extended, proud, and loving network of cousins, god-siblings, and lifelong friends. Rev. Herman and Lee Counts were Gerard’s Godparents.  Relatives include the Isaiah Prince Pogue family, the King David Solomon Pogue descendants, the Pogue, Wilson, Jackson, Family Reunion and the J.D. Martin families. I.P. Pogue and J.D. Martin were first cousins.

Gerard’s life was not easy — but it was full. Full of spirit, full of music, full of love. He faced adversity with grace and lived in alignment with his values, never straying from his spiritual path.  Gerard was blessed with an expansive sense of humor. Some of his one-liners were witty.  If you were tickled; he was ticked.  Most of the times, he was a happy fellow who loved to laugh with his family and his friends.  He was a humble gentleman.

Well done, Jack Gerard. Well done.

“Gerard’s Peace” — A Tribute from Toni, Tyrone, Van, and Judith

Gerard Benson was the standard-bearer for what younger bass players aspired to — in technique, passion, and soul. If a band leader called a jazz standard, Gerard knew it. If it was R&B, funk, or gospel, he could groove it. He started young — forming his first band in high school with Tyrone Jefferson and never looked back. As a founding member of A Sign of the Times Big Band, Gerard was the bridge between musical worlds and generations. His ability to lead with peace — not ego — made him a grounding presence in every rehearsal and every gig.  He lived the truth that “music is next to God.” And as confusion and discord cannot exist in the presence of God, neither could they exist in his presence. May his peace remain with us always.

Loving reflections from A Sign of the Times: “Gerard was a musician’s musician.”

“God has spoken — let the church say Amen.” Andre Crouch

Celebration of Life for Jack Gerard Benson & Jazz Concert

Hosted By: "A Sign of the Times"

Sunday July 27, 2025

4pm-6pm

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Conference Center

(Entrance and parking on lower level at the rear of the sanctuary).

3400 Beatties Ford Rd.

Charlotte, NC 28216