James B. Bennett, 66, passed away in Nacogdoches on Monday, February 18, 2013. He was born on March 25, 1946 in Crockett, Texas to parents Cecil Bennett and Wynola Nix Bennett Brown.
A funeral service has been planned for Friday, February 22, 2013 at 10:00 am at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel with Bro. Winston Hodge officiating, located at 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches with burial to follow at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Nacogdoches County.
James is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Cecil Paul Bennett; and half brother, Benford Bennett Sr..
Mr. Bennett is survived by his wife Gloria Ortiz Bennett of Nacogdoches; son, John Paul Bennett; daughter, Melissa Bennett both of Dallas; special great niece, Melissa Pitcher of Deweyville, Texas.
James graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Minor in Correctional Sciences. He had a variety of work history that included Texas Department of Corrections in Huntsville, Youth Correctional Facility in Tyler, and Retiree from Department of Human Resources. He was an insurance adjustor, farmer, and owner/manager of Blue Sky Golf Cart Rentals in Crystal Beach. He served our country as a United States Merchant Marine.
James was an avid hunter, sportsman and conservationist. He loved to hunt as well as fish and he was actively supportive of wildlife organizations who work to protect habitats. He was a man who loved to work the land much like his father and grandfather before him. He raised cattle, grew corn, peas, hay and sugar cane just to name a few. He built a smoke house and enjoyed making and smoking a variety of sausages. He was a poultry grower for Pilgrims Pride for 28 years.
James also loved his family and enjoyed fishing and hunting trips with John Paul and Melissa. He and Gloria liked to trout fish in Arkansas.
James was a member of many of organizations including Master Mason of Swift #678- Grand Lodge of Texas, National Quail Federation, National Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, and Conservation of Salt Water Fishing.
Active pallbearers will be Robert Kroll, David Ash, Keith Cordova, Roger Mills, Brad Boyette, and Giles Mills. Honorary pallbearers will Gordon Graves, Chris Olgesbee, and Johnny Perkins.
Memorial donations may be offered to Nacogdoches Explorers or to Bank of America C/O AHA (American Heart Association) P.O. Box 841125 Dallas, Texas 75284.
Friends are invited to a visitation from 5-7pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013 at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
Online condolences may be offered at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors/ 5400 North Street/ Nacogdoches, Texas 75965
