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”
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For Customer Service please call: 1-888-610-8262
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