Joseph Benjamin Grammer was born on January 13, 1971 in Alexandria, VA. After having two daughters, he arrival of the first born son to Joseph & Valerie Grammer was a very joyous occasion. To celebrate his arrival (since cigars were not appropriate) they passed out little yellow smiley face buttons to all the family and people in the ward. Benji’s little button is still in his baby book today. So to celebrate his life and the joy he brought to all of us, we’ve decided it appropriate to send him home with the same happy symbol of his arrival.

Benji served an LDS mission to Seoul, Korea where he learned to love the culture and the people he served. Upon his return he immediately took on many new interests such as boating, water skiing, mountain biking, snowmobiling, scuba diving, and motorcycle riding, anything mechanical and of course as we all know, his love affair with his Jeep. Everyone in Utah County knew Benji’s Jeep.

Since the time he was a small child Benji’s Lifelong dream was to join the Air Force and become a fighter pilot. When he was in elementary school he had to get glasses. We will never forget his devastation when he realized that his dream was shattered because he could never become a pilot now that he needed glasses. Thanks to new technology Benji had Lasix eye surgery, and this new found freedom suddenly made him aware that he may finally be able to fulfill his dream of flying. Though he still couldn’t join the Air Force he soon discovered that being a Helicopter Pilot was right up his alley. He received his helicopter flight training in Provo, Utah and shortly after he completed his requirements, he purchased a flight training school in Boulder City, NV. Benji’s dream had been realized. He became a pilot, a flight instructor and entrepreneur. Benji died doing what he loved most and he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

To all of us left behind Benji was more than just a phenomenal pilot. He was a son, a brother, a husband, an uncle, and a friend. But more importantly Benji was just an incredible human being that touched the lives of everyone that knew him.

Benji, you are so very loved, we miss you!