James Bennett Collett (aka JB), 83, a lifelong resident of Prattville, Alabama, and formerly of Oneonta, Alabama, passed away on September 11, 2022. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Teresa Dianne Collett (stillborn); father, Jethro James Collett; mother, Nora Irene Odom Collett; sister, Mary Elizabeth Collett Young; brother in law, Cortland Ennis Young and close cousin Betty Wilson. He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Mary Rush Collett; children, James Kenneth Collett (Maria) and Jerry Bennett Collett (Carrie); his cherished grandchildren, James William "Will" Collett, Madyson Dianne Collett, Chloe Aisling Collett, Phoebe Cailin Collett; sister, Nancy Ann Collett Sutherlin (Donald) and many nieces and nephews and their families.
JB spent 37 years as an educator for High School students. JB graduated high school from Oneonta High School in 1957 and went to Alabama Polytechnical Institute which later became Auburn University. He obtained his first degree with Bachelor’s Degree in Education Agribusiness Education Class B Teachers Certificate in 1961. He did not stop there, he went back 4 years later in 1965 and obtained his Masters of Education. Then in 1982 he went back for his final degree which was the Class AA Teachers Certificate. He retired in 1999. During his 37 years he spent 1 year as an agribusiness teacher at Goodwater High School, and 2 years as an agribusiness teacher at Wicksburg High School. He spent 1 year as a math and science teacher at Eclectic High School and 2 years as an agribusiness teacher at Billingsley High School followed by one year as a principal for Billingsley High School. He spent his final 30 years as an agribusiness teacher at Prattville High School. After retirement he spent the rest of his life traveling with the Boll Weevil Camping Club, cutting grass, driving a school bus, and spending time with his 4 grandchildren. He took his grandchildren on camping trips every chance he got so that he could expose them to new places and great adventures. He retired his second time in 2013 from lawn care.
The family is so appreciative of the loving care given by the Boll Weevil Camping Club, their First Baptist Church family, and the multitude of long-time friends, who have been very supportive during this time of sickness and sorrow.
To honor JB the following are his pallbearers, Bryan Young, Darryl Young, Johnny Leavins, Larry Leavins, Terry Sutherlin, James “Will” Collett, and Jerry Lee. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Gene Beasley, Roger Carter, Mike Childs, Bo Creamer, George Freeman, Roger Hall, Raymond Hines, Robert Kelley, Neal Markham, Edward Martin, Tommy Nelson, and Ronnie Penton.
Services for JB will be Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Ridouts Prattville Chapel, 347 E. Main St. Prattville, Alabama, at 11:00 AM with the visitation one hour prior. Burial will take place at Oakhill Cemetery in Oneonta, Alabama.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsprattvillechapel.com for the Collett family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18