John B Bennet

friends and family at his home at Medford Leas, Medford, NJ on December 27, 2020.

Jake was a decorated Army veteran who served over 30 years with service from the post WWII

occupation of Japan through the Vietnam War. He lived the West Point motto of "duty, honor and country".

Jake was born on April 20, 1922 in West Point, NY to his parents COL John Bennington Bennet Sr. and

Marion Smith Bennet.

Upon graduation from high school in Tampa, FL., Jake followed in his father's and grandfather's

footsteps to become a third generation graduate of the US Military Academy in 1945 where he was the

Captain of the ARMY Rifle Team. He was initially assigned as a 2nd Lieutenant in Field Artillery.

During his military career he also earned master’s degrees from Vanderbilt University and Temple

University.

Like most veterans of his era, Jake was quiet about his military service but was particularly proud of one specific achievement as the battalion commander of the 19th Artillery & HQ Company for the 1st Armored Division when his unit was awarded the 1st Armored Division’s Commanding General’s Trophy which he displayed in his apartment at Medford Leas.

While attending West Point, he met and then married upon graduation, Faye Reider Bennet who would

become the consummate military officer’s wife. After his retirement from the Army in 1975, he and Faye

settled in Beach Haven, NJ. Jake volunteered as a local first responder and even became a Spray Beach Yacht Club Commodore while supporting Faye as she ran the club’s successful youth program,

coached Olympic teams, and became one of the first international sailing judges.

Jake and Faye never had children of their own but their influence on youth, especially through Spray

Beach Y. C., lasted for decades

Jake remained a resident of Beach Haven after Faye passed away in 2008. Following Hurricane Sandy, Jake relocated to the Medford Leas community, where he could continue his independent living and be

better served in his later years.

Jake had a way of making instant friends and quickly became a member of many social circles at

Medford Leas including working as a volunteer in the gift shop. His popularity with residents and staff

was evident to his family during visits. He was, and his family are especially thankful to the Medford

Leas staff for their exceptional care, support, and service during his residence there.

Jake was an avid reader, an original “techie” who texted family frequently on his apple i-phone, enjoyed his daily workouts, loved watching the annual Army-Navy game, and quietly supported various

charitable organizations.

Jake is survived by his sister, Marion B. Hubbard (CA); Nephew Roger E. Hubbard III and family (California), Niece Macha Bennet Shephard and family; and Nephew Michael B. Terry and family (AZ)

In his typical humble and caring style, Jake requested that no services be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to:

Medford Leas Residents Assistance Funds (MLRA)

c/o Medford Leas, 1 Medford Leas Way, Medford, NJ 08055 or

Spray Beach Yacht Club Youth Sailing Program

c/o Spray Beach Yacht Club , P.O. BOX 1125, Beach Haven, NJ 08008

To leave online condolences for the Bennet family, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com

The Thos L. Shinn Funeral Home, Manahawkin, NJ was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.