James Gordon Bennett

James Gordon Bennett, 86, formerly of Battle Creek died at Nanaw's Place in Denison, Texas on Wednesday, August 13, 2014. Jim was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on August 2, 1928, to Ernest L. and Elva E. (Winterburn) Bennett. He attended Battle Creek Public Schools graduating in 1946. Jim received a Bachelor of Science Degree with a teaching degree from Western Michigan University in 1951. Jim taught school in Kalamazoo, Grosse Pointe and at Springfield. He was employed in the Engineering Department for the City of Battle Creek, Oliver Aviation, Lear Inc. in Grand Rapids, Federal Life & Casualty Co., Bendix Corp. in South Bend, The Battle Creek Gas Company and for the Michigan Department of Social Services in Battle Creek, Jackson, Albion and Charlotte for 23 years.

James G. Bennett was united in marriage to the former Grace I. Davis at First Baptist Church in Battle Creek, MI on August 9, 1952. He was preceded in death by Grace, his wife of 55 years on February 4, 2007. Surviving are his children, David James Bennett (Cynthia, his wife) of Ypsilanti, MI; Carol Jean Marley (Ron, her husband), of Spokane, WA; Sarah Louise Carbaugh (Lonnie, her husband) of Sulfur, OK; and John Ernest Bennett (Laura, his wife) of Lakewood, CO; 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and his twin sister, Jean Alice Johnson of Portage, MI. Jim was also preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, John Ernest Winterburn, Minnie (Harter) Winterburn, Claude W. Bennett and Emma M. (Bolinger) Bennett.

As a father, he is remembered for his quiet sensitivity, his servant's heart and his love and care for others. He enjoyed music, both singing and playing the clarinet. For many summers, he played with the Post Band. Both he and his wife, Grace, were active members of the Morning Musical Club of Battle Creek. Jim was an avid opera enthusiast and sang many performances as a Tenor with the Battle Creek Opera Society. A memorable performance in 1973 was singing the role of Kasper with his 11-year old son John in the production of Amaul and the Night Visitors. He also had roles in a number of Gilbert & Sullivan productions with both his daughters, Carol and Sarah. He enjoyed fixing things and built the home that he shared with his wife and family for many years. He was active with the Boy Scouts of America at the local council level and had a lifelong passion for boating. His passion to help others led him to join the Pennfield Exchange Club, where he was a member for many years. After his retirement, Jim traveled coast to coast to see his family and help them with projects. He volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and served on their board. He enjoyed playing softball with the Battle Creek senior league. Jim was a member of First Baptist Church, Battle Creek, MI where he was a teacher, served on the property committee, helped with the immigrant Burmese community, and sang in the choir. He also sang for weddings at various churches and sang with the Barber Shop Quartet and the Burnham Brook Men's Chorus. One of his favorite songs to perform throughout his life was The Lord's Prayer.

Friends will be received from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Sunday, August 24, 2014 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 10:00 am, Monday, August 25, 2014 at the First Baptist Church in Battle Creek, 80 E. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49017 . Entombment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church or to Habitat for Humanity. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.