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Furman’s ‘super-duper’ Mr. Jim announces retirement
Jim Benes, known as “Mr. Jim” shows a video to students who were helping break down boxes to be recycled during move-in day in 2025. Photo by Nathan Gray, Furman University.
One of Furman University’s friendliest ambassadors is retiring. Jim Benes, affectionately known as “Mr. Jim,” will retire from his role as custodial manager at the end of June, after just shy of 15 years.
“I truly love Furman,” Benes said. “The faculty, staff and students are our community, our family.”
Benes was a fish out of water when he joined Furman’s staff in 2011. He previously worked as a grocery manager with Publix in south Florida when he and his wife, Patricia, moved to Greenville, South Carolina for a change of pace.
A student fan of Mr. Jim designed a series of stickers celebrating his exuberance and the sustainability initiatives he’s involved in, and Mr. Jim hands them out on campus. Photo by Owen Withycombe, Furman University.
“My neighbor worked in housing here and said, ‘You need to go to Furman. The type of person you are, you’ll get along with the people there,’” Benes said.
Like so many people who visit Furman’s campus, Benes’ first day left him stunned not only by the natural beauty of its mountain views, but the friendly faces he met. Benes started as an assistant custodial manager, and his on-the-job learning involved more than discovering how to keep campus clean and running smoothly. He learned to take pride in making it safe, beautiful and comfortable for students.
Becoming “Mr. Jim”
Benes also quickly learned that students who are away from their home and families are often looking for more than mentorship; they want friendship.
“A lot of people tell me I’m their Furman dad,” he said with a laugh.
Mr. Jim has been a familiar sight on Furman’s campus for nearly 15 years, often seen behind the wheel of his decorated golf cart. Photo by Nathan Gray, Furman University.
It started when a student desk manager at the Trone Student Center was panicking over a scheduling issue involving the Watkins Room. Benes helped calm her down and resolve the issue, and the relief on her face was all the inspiration he needed.
“From then on when students introduced me to their friends, they’d say ‘This is Mr. Jim. He can help,’” Benes said. “Before I knew it, I was building friendships with so many students.”
Whether he’s wishing people a “super-duper” day from behind the wheel of his custom-decorated golf cart, handing out Mr. Jim-branded stickers designed by a former student, or working with students on recycling and sustainability initiatives, Mr. Jim makes friends everywhere he goes. But he said it’s his co-workers on the Furman custodial services staff that make him look like a hero every day.
“I couldn’t do it without our staff. We work so well together and have each other’s backs,” he said. “We’re here to do the best for this campus and these students.”
Though Mr. Jim might be retiring from his position, he hopes to keep connected to the campus he loves by working part-time. In the meantime, he’s planning to travel, go camping with his wife and indulge his lifelong fandom for local drag races.
“It’s been an amazing time! Thank you all for the great times and friendships,” he said. “And FU all the time!”