James Arthur Bennett

James Arthur Bennett (Jimmy) aka “The Pigstealer”, born September 20, 1942 in Jacksonville, FL, passed away October 1, 2010 at his home, after a four year struggle with a brain tumor. He was raised in Hahira, GA and Stuart, FL. He was the son of James Aubrey Bennett and Corrine Spradley. He retired after 40 years with Winn Dixie, where he worked in the Meat Dept. as a Trainer, Specialist and Buyer at the warehouse. He was one of the founders of Boy Scouts of America Pack 385 at Justina Road School, where he served for 7 years as Chairman and Cub Scout Leader. He was a member of the Kings Ferry Hunting Club in Hilliard, FL. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and gardener. His favorite fishing was in Santee, SC, at Harry’s Fish Camp. He enjoyed hunting in Florida, Georgia, and Kentucky. He is predeceased by his parents; his two children, Jody and Joyanna Bennett; his brother-in-law, John E. Sikes, Jr.; and his sister-in-law, Jackie Lochridge. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, E. Jeanne Sikes Bennett; his sons, James A. Bennett, Jr. (Rebecca) of Hahira, GA, and John A. Bennett (Tammy) of Hilliard, FL; 4 grandchildren, John A. Bennett, Jr. of Adel, GA, James “Andy” Bennett, Jennifer A. Bennett of Jacksonville, FL, and Brandi N. Bennett of Hilliard, FL; 2 brothers, Lindel (Donna) of Wellborn, FL and Richard “Peanut” (Melanie) of Perry, FL; his best and devoted friend, Royce Tucker (Faye) of Jacksonville, FL; his inlaws, Bert Lochridge, Mina Reid, Genny Sikes, Ed and Gloria Malin, Pat and Rodney Bodway, Robert and Janet Sikes; many nieces, nephews, 2 aunts and an uncle; Odell (Pinky) Parker of Lady Lake, FL and Sally (Zip) Smith (Harold) of Brooksville, FL; and many cousins. Jimmy will always be remembered for his kind heart, a friend to everyone. He never met a stranger. His quick wit and the jokes he played on everyone, and most of all, for the devotion he showed to his sons and grandchildren. He was always there for them through good and bad. “And don’t forget, nobody spanks the baby.” He would be proud to tell you he would have become a great grandpa in April and May of next year. P.S. Jeanne will bury his everlovin’ “Tobacco Stick” with him. It never did keep her in line.

The family wishes to acknowledge Dr. James Nealis, Dr. Kaveh Barami, and Dr. Suneel Mahajan and the Entire F.R.O.G. Group, including the vampires and chemo nurses he gave such a hard time to, and Caron and Dr. Twiggs with Community Hospice for their outstanding care of Jimmy for the last four years, and to the Northeast Florida Brain Tumor Support Group and its members for the support they have showed us, and to his many friends and family that have stuck by him through the last 4 years, especially to those that visited him the last three months, while in hospice, to let him know he was loved.

“God saw you were getting tired, and a cure was not to be, so he put his arms around you and whispered, “Come to Me.” With tearful eyes, we watched you, and saw you pass away, although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay, A golden heart stopped beating, a lion’s fight at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the very best.”

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes contributions be made to Kay Verble for Northeast Florida Brain Support Group, 816 A1A North, Suite 201, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082, or Community Hospice 4266 Sunbeam Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32257.

Services will be held at Ft. Caroline United Methodist Church, 8510 Ft. Caroline Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32211, with viewing beginning at 4:30 PM, service at 6 PM on Tuesday, October 5, 2010. Graveside service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32207. Services will be officiated by Rev. Bruce Galloway, who married Jeanne and Jimmy, and Roger Dickerson of the Northeast Florida Brain Tumor Support Group. Please view James’ life story at www.mem.com. Arrangements by Greenlawn Funeral Home.