James G. Bennett's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - James Gordon Bennett, age 97 of Charleston, entered his Heavenly Home on Monday, October 1, 2018 while at Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehab. Visitation will be held from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. The Funeral Service honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, with Reverend Tom Corum officiating. Inurnment, with military rites, will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston. It is requested that donations in his honor be made to Wesley United Methodist Church or Habitat for Humanity. Gifts may be left at the visitation/service or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.Jim was born February 18, 1921 in Lawrenceville, Illinois, a son of the late Willis and Rebecca (Pargan) Bennett. He married the love of his life, Ann Morgan in August of 1942, and they were blessed with nearly 54 years of marriage prior to her death in May of 1996. Left to cherish many fond memories are his children, James M. Bennett and wife Dorothy of Charleston, Janet Adkins of Springfield, Illinois and Judy Goodman and husband Phil of Taylorville, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Chris (Debbie) Goodman, Scott (Kelly) Goodman, Alex (Heather) Bennett, Brett Bennett, Kelly (Mike) Spitzer, Tim Adkins and Jamie (Scott) Brown; 13 great-grandchildren, a brother-in-law, Joe Reid of California and several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded by a brother, Willis Bennett, Jr. and a sister, Mary Ellen Reid.Jim was a graduate of Paris High School in Paris, Illinois. He faithfully and honorably served his country with the United States Marine Corps in the Pacific Theatre during World War II from 1942 - 1945. Jim was employed with Central Illinois Public Service (CIPS) for more than 40 years, retiring as a Load Dispatcher. He was a longtime and faithful member of the Wesley United Methodist Church family. He was also a member of IBEW #702, the American Legion, a Life Member of Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and Paris Masonic Lodge #268, and a former member of the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388.Jim was an avid gardener and truly loved being outdoors tending his vegetable gardens. He was a fan of the Chicago Cubs and enjoyed watching all sports and westerns. Following his formal retirement with CIPS Jim kept quite busy looking after his rental properties. He and Ann were able to enjoy traveling and vacationing. Florida was one of their favorite destinations, allowing them to spend time with dear friends and enjoy outdoor activities. Jim believed that his life had been blessed and was extremely charitable in sharing those blessings with those less fortunate. He was always the gentleman and treated others with respect and kindness, always sharing the gift of a warm and endearing smile. Jim was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who was devoted to his family and loved them dearly. They will always cherish their many treasured memories.Funeral ServiceThe funeral service celebrating the life of Jim Bennett was held at 11:00 a.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel on Thursday, October 18, 2018 with Reverend Tom Corum officiating. Ruth Ann Craig served as pianist providing prelude and postlude selections and accompanying the congregational hymn of ""Amazing Grace"". A recorded selection of ""I'll Fly Away"" was also played. Inurnment followed in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston with Military Services conducted by member of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and Charleston American Legion Post #93 Combined Honor Guard. Participating were: Phil Kerz, Detail Commander; Dale Downs, Chaplain and Flag Detail; Hugh Birch and Bill Reed, Color Guard; Jessie Stephens, Color Bearer; Hatty Hughes, Bugler; and Paul Buerster, Gary Grounds, Mark Beabout, Dave Finley and Eugene Winnett, Riflemen. Honorary Urnbearers were Jim's grandchildren: Chris Goodman, Scott Goodman, Alex Bennett, Brett Bennett, Kelly Spitzer, Tim Adkins and Jamie Brown. SERVICES Visitation Thursday, October 18, 2018 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920 Funeral Service Thursday, October 18, 2018 11:00 AM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920 Military Service Thursday, October 18, 2018 Roselawn Cemetery West Route 316 Charleston, IL 61920
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