Feggins Funeral Home | South Hill, VA

Obituary For Deacon James Edward Bennett

Graduation To Glory for DEACON JAMES EDWARD BENNETT

VIEWING: Thursday, August 13, 2020 Time: 12:30 PM - 6:00 PM GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Friday, August 14, 2020

Time: 10:30 AM Crestview Memorial Park, 18599 Highway One, North, LaCrosse, VA 23950 | Rev. Sharon Baskerville, Officiating

DEACON JAMES EDWARD BENNETT, affectionately known as “Pops” and/or “Daddy James”, slipped into the arms of Jesus Sunday morning, August 9, 2020, while on his knees praying at his home in LaCrosse, VA. He was also known in the softball arena as “Hamma.” He was the son of the late John Bennett and Esther Baskerville Joyner, born in Mecklenburg County, VA on August 7, 1942.

James was baptized at an early age and joined Venture Grove Baptist Church. He attended the Mecklenburg County Public Schools. Until he relocated to New York and shortly thereafter, he enlisted into the U.S. Army serving from October 12, 1966 to November 19, 1968 and served in the Army Reserved until October 11, 1972; receiving an Honorable Discharge.

On August 16, 1969 he was joined in holy matrimony to the late Louise Allen until her death in 2014 and to this union a daughter Janice was born.

As a young man he and his older brother, John, sang in a choir that traveled throughout the states of Virginia and North Carolina. Early in life he played semi-professional softball and traveled to many states, as a result of his strong game, he earned the name, “Hamma.”

In October of 1995 he was commissioned as an ordained Deacon by the late John T. Teabout of Greater Friendship Baptist Church, Newark, NJ.

James was employed by General Motors Corporation, Linden, NJ until his retirement after thirty-three years of service. Upon returning to Virginia, Deacon Bennett rejoined the family church, Venture Grove Baptist. The Holy Spirit then led him to transfer his membership to Victory Everlasting Seventh Day Adventist Church, South Hill, VA. Eventually, he was led to return to his Baptist roots. He then joined the body of believers at Bloom Hill Baptist Church where he remained faithfully until death.

Deacon Bennett could often be found teaching Sunday school or singing in the choir. He loved sharing the word of God. He was often called a “bootleg preacher.” He was strong in his faith and fervent as it related to his responsibility as a Deacon. Deacon Bennett was a dedicated member of the South Hill Community Choir. He loved to call people just to check on them, sing a song or share an encouraging word. He loved to serve and share goodies from his garden. He adored traditional hymnals. His favorite was a melody of “There’s A Storm Out On The Ocean,” and “My Life Is In His Hands.”

Deacon Bennett was also a dedicated member of the South Hill Chapter of AARP, where he served on the Executive Board and was lead Chaplain. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post #79, South Hill, VA where he was on the Honor Guard and Chaplain. He was lovingly called “The Bingo Man,” as he walked the floor checking cards. He was an avid fisherman and bowler. He was a member of the Veterans Bowling League in South Boston, VA and a member of the Senior League in Henderson, NC until March 2020.

Deacon Bennett loved to fellowship with his family. Most of all he loved the Lord.

The love he left behind transcends eternity and belongs to his two daughters-Janice Bennett (Michael) Johnson, South Hill, VA and Deborah Alexander, East Orange, NJ; granddaughter- Breanna West, Newark, NJ; sister-in-law, Jeanette Jones, Blackstone, VA; aunt- Beatrice Baskerville, LaCrosse, VA; devoted cousin- Alfred Baskerville, LaCrosse, VA; God children- Scotty Yancey, Las Vegas, NV; Clarissa Hobbs, Hillside, NJ, and Justin (BeBe) Smith, Union, NJ: special niece- Virginia (William) Manuel, Brooklyn, NY; special nephews- his name sake, James Jr. (Vickie) Bennett, Rahway, NJ and Floyd (Betty) Bennett, South Carolina; devoted nieces- Denise Bennett, Baskerville, VA and Edith Brown, South Hill, VA, whose desserts he often called her for; his strong tower brothers/friends- Raymond (Linda) Jones, Plainfield, NJ; Lloyd (Yvonne) Davis, Warrenton, NC and James Percey (Agnes) Lambert, South Carolina, and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

“May the Life I lived, speak for me When I’m resting in my grave there’s nothing that can be said, May the Life I lived, speak for me.”

“THE LIFE HE LIVED HAS SPOKEN FOR HIM”

Guest Book

Janice Though our hearts hold sadness, may it also hold great memories of our Classmate " James Bennett" Those who have brought us joy, made us laugh, and shown us love have given us lasting gifts of a beautiful life and blessed our memories forever. Thanking God for your loved one's life, and thinking of you with sympathy during this difficult time. Love & Prayers. Dea. Waverly & Marie Crosson Marietta, Ga.

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My condolence to the family. Even though I only knew Deacon Bennet for a short period of time, I found him to be a great man of God that I always enjoyed hearing him sing during our bible study. He will be truly missed. With deepest sympathy, Eva Brown

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I got to know Deacon Bennett when I joined Twin Lakes AARP. He was our chaplain and a very one at that. May he rest in heavenly peace. Annette Tucker, Brodnax, VA.

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I got to know James when he joined American Legion Post 79 and developed a friendship which started with his words of wisdom and sharing his love for Christ. It is so true as stated in his obituary that the life he lived spoke of who he was and how he will be remembered. He became a member of our Honor Guard Team and served faithfully in that capacity. When I or a member of my family experienced illness you could expect a call from James with encouraging words. He always said a beautiful prayer when called upon in our meetings. As a member of the American Legion Honor Guard Team I will proudly participate in his upcoming service to provide military honors he so richly deserves. My blessings to his entire family and thank you for sharing James with me and other veterans at our Post home. S. Lewis Wells South Hill, VA

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Janice and family it is with a heavy heart that I convey my condolences to you. I pray God will grant you the comfort and strength to endure. I have known James Edward for many years and have loved him and Louise. May they rest together in heaven. Love you all.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Feggins Funeral Home | South Hill, VA