James Warner “Jim/Benny” Bennett, 75, of Lafayette passed away Friday, March 24, 2023, after a brief illness.
He was born Dec. 24, 1947, at Crawfordsville, to the late William C. (Bill) and Mary Martha (Galey) Bennett.
Jim graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1966 where he excelled in sports. He was awarded an athletic scholarship to Purdue University earning his bachelor’s degree in 1970.
On Aug. 31, 1968, he married Madonna (Donna) Feltner in New Ross Methodist Church and she survives. Jim and Donna enjoyed 54 years together.
Jim started his career teaching and coaching at Central Catholic High School and later worked in car sales. After Jim finished his career, he went to work on the grounds crew mowing grass at the Lafayette Elks Country Club (now the West Lafayette Golf and Country Club) where he was a life member.
Jim was an avid sports fan, he enjoyed playing golf and celebrated a hole in one and also an avid bowler, bowling a few 300 games. Jim was an outdoor guy and enjoyed his annual fishing trip to Canada with the guys for over 50 years, mowing grass, and always rooting for the Purdue Boilermakers.
Surviving with his wife, Donna is a brother, Sam (wife Karen) Bennett and their children, Brian and Lisa and their families and a sister-in-law, Janet Bennett and her children, Jina, Jennifer and Crystal and their families, all of Crawfordsville.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother Dave Bennett; two half-brothers, Bob and John Bennett; and his much loved dogs.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. Friday, March 31 at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, with Rev. Ann Williams officiating. Interment will follow at 3 p.m. at Mace Cemetery, 5317 U.S. 136E, Crawfordsville.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s name to either, Almost Home Humane Society or Central Catholic High School Athletic Department.
You may leave condolences and memories at www.soller-baker.com.
