James Bennett, Jr

Our dear father, James Craig Bennett, Jr., 84, died December 31, 2013, at his home in Idaho Falls, after a seven-month battle with myeloid leukemia. His children were at his side when he passed away on the morning of his 50th wedding anniversary. He was born May 27, 1929, to James C. and Ida Pratt Bennett of Idaho Falls and, along with his twin sister, were the youngest of nine children. During his youth, Jim worked hard on the farms surrounding his home and developed a lifelong curiosity in science, electronics and engineering. Graduating from Idaho Falls High School in 1947, he went on to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Idaho State University. Drafted for the Korean War in 1952, he spent two years in the Army Signal Corps in Tokyo, Japan, earning the Korean Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. Deeply patriotic, he remained extremely proud of his service to our country. Upon discharge in 1954, he began his career at the Financial Credit Corporation, which later became the Lockhart Company, a subsidiary of Zions Bancorp. His first duties there included collecting on past due accounts and repossessing vehicles over a large area. Over the next 32 years, he managed several branches in the cities of Montpelier, Blackfoot, Pocatello, and Idaho Falls. At the time of his retirement in 1986, he was Supervisor of their four remaining Idaho offices. Throughout retirement, he remained successful with his business and financial interests while enjoying many vacations with his family. Jim also had a keen interest in local history and was very involved with the Museum of Idaho for 27 years serving on their Board of Directors and also on the board of the Bonneville County Heritage Commission. In addition, he served 18 years as the treasurer for the Idaho Falls chapter of PFLAG and was also, at various times, a member of The Kiwanis Club, The Lions Club, The Elks Club, The Chamber of Commerce and several professional organizations. Jim especially loved spending time with his family and friends, learning about computers, downloading music and driving around the vast local area "checking things out," one of his favorite pastimes. He married Sharon Paulus December 31, 1963, at the Presbyterian Church in Idaho Falls with which they've remained associated. As his wife began suffering from Alzheimer's over the last few years, he became her devoted caretaker, always referring to her as his bride. They enjoyed exactly 50 wonderful years together, living most of that time in their historical Idaho Falls home. His wife survives him, a resident at The Gables Assisted Living Center of Ammon. Surviving are his children, Craig R. Bennett of Seattle, WA, and Lori L. (Miles Johnson) Bennett, of Boise, ID, three young grandsons, of whom he was so proud, Luke Ethan, Cole James and Jake Bennett; his twin sister, JoAnn Taylor of Ogden, Utah and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Henry Bennett, Afton Carlson, Madge Hunter, Gayle Erickson, Evelyn Hope, Edna Rae Lee, and Ardith Gauger. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2014, at the First Presbyterian Church, 325 Elm Street, with Reverend Dr. Dennis Falasco officiating. The family will visit with friends for one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery. If interested, donations may be made to The Museum of Idaho, 200 N. Eastern, Idaho Falls, ID 83402; The Bonneville County Heritage Commission, 605 N. Capital, Idaho Falls, ID 83402; the Idaho Falls Chapter of PFLAG, POB 52242, Idaho Falls, ID 83405-2242; or to your favorite charity. Dad, thank you for all you've done for our family and community. You were a truly good man and will be greatly missed. We love you so much!