Jimmy Dale Bennett Sr. was born in Georgetown, LA, on December 16, 1941. A longtime resident of Baton Rouge and Many, LA, Jimmy passed away on August 2, 2024, at age 82 in Jennings, LA. Jimmy graduated from Georgetown High School. A few years later he joined the Army where he played basketball and became a proud Vietnam Veteran. After the Army, Jimmy attended and graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University, becoming a teacher and coach at Pride High School and Central High School in Baton Rouge. After retiring, Jimmy moved to Toledo Bend where he was a member of Little Flock Baptist Church and enjoyed fishing and watching college football.
He is survived by his son, Dale Bennett (Becky) of Benton, LA; daughter, Becky Ash (David) of Baton Rouge, LA; son, Darrell Crum (Cheryl) of Madison, MS; grandchildren, Drew Bennett, Jackson Bennett, Casey Sonnier, Shane Ash, Dustin Ash, Derek Crum, Kelsey Crum, Dylan Crum, and Madison Crum; 5 great grandchildren; aunt, Faye Hines (Jimmie); and brother, David Mills (Robin).
He was preceded in death by his mother, Melba Mills; grandparents, Lee and Bessie Coleman; and former wife, Beth Bennett.
A visitation for Jimmy will be held on Thursday, August 8, at Central Funeral Home from 5 – 8 pm, and it will continue on Friday, August 9, at 9 am until funeral service at 10. Burial will follow at Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Cemetery in Jennings.
Pallbearers will be Drew Bennett, Jackson Bennett, Casey Sonnier, Shane Ash, Dustin Ash, Derek Crum, and Dylan Crum. Honorary pallbearers – Johnny Cress, Ronnie Gene Cupit, Ollie Myers, Jimmie Hines, Brad Longmire, Mike Pitt, Paul Gaylord, and Bennie Hicks.
The family thanks everyone at the SWLA War Veterans, third floor and ICU staff at Ochsner American Legion Hospital, spinal cord injury teams at the Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center in Houston and the TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston, LAMM Hospice, Little Flock Baptist Church, and special friends, Johnny Cress and Ronnie Gene Cupit.
Please consider memorial contributions in Jimmy’s name to the SWLA War Veterans Home.
