James Bennett

James “Jim” R. Bennett¹, age 96 of Westfield passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026 and is now reunited with the love of his life, Iris² (nee Hebard). Their enduring bond remained the foundation of his life and family of 50. Jim was the proud patriarch of five generations, a legacy that brought him immense joy and purpose. (Numbers represent the chronological order in which they joined the family.)

Jim was a devoted father to Lynne³ (Cary⁹) Gehrke, Jim⁴ (Karen⁷) Bennett, Jr., Lori⁵ (Kurt¹²) Rado, and Bonnie Dorniak⁶,¹⁴. He was a proud grandfather and Papa to Jason⁸,³⁰, Jodi¹⁰ (Rob²¹), Jeff¹¹ (Heather²³), Katie¹³ (Dave²⁸), Justin¹⁵ (Sarah²⁹), Dan¹⁶ (Kelli²⁵), Steve¹⁷ (Becky³³), Chris¹⁸ (Hannah⁴⁹) and Andy¹⁹ (Kailyn³⁸).

He was a cherished great-grandfather to Jordan²⁰, Andie²² (Garth⁴⁵), Ella²⁴, Evie²⁶, Madelynn²⁷, Bennett³¹, Olive³², Jameson³⁴, Greta³⁵, Elizabeth³⁶, Eli³⁷, Andrew³⁹, Oliver⁴⁰, Odin⁴¹, Ellison⁴², Rowan⁴³, Magnolia⁴⁴, Finnlee⁴⁶, and Ingrid⁴⁷, and a delighted great-great-grandfather to Aspen⁴⁸ and Ryder⁵⁰.

The Lowenbergs (Melissa, Jeff, Holly, and Gabby); Ryans (Sean, Erin, Ian, and Colin); and Brent Narloch were just like family to Jim. He was also a cherished and thankful friend to Bob and Mary Miller; “The Harem” – Peanut, Jane and Sandy; and his best friend, Charles S. Schwab.

Born in Sheldon, Wisconsin, Jim proudly served in the United States Army from 1948 to 1952 during the Korean War. He remained deeply committed to his fellow veterans through the VFW Post 6003 in Oxford, Wisconsin, and The American Legion Post 329 in Briggsville, Wisconsin. He was a member of Cross of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church.

An educator at heart, Jim spent his career as a teacher and guidance counselor with Milwaukee Public Schools, always believing in the power of learning – even when teaching reluctant students. A mathematician by training and temperament, he believed deeply in the value of one.

And Jim loved stories! He was an avid storyteller – Avid Storyteller – AVID STORYTELLER. His stories were rich with humor, history, exaggeration, and heart. He was proud of his Finnish and Native American (?) heritage, generous by nature, and endlessly curious. He loved spending time with family, fishing, watching nature, following Wisconsin sports, and finding joy in the everyday world around him.

No one was more proud of their family – though his “favorite” changed daily.

Jim will be remembered for his humor, wisdom, generosity, faith, and unwavering love for his family. His life was long, well-lived, and deeply meaningful, and his legacy will continue through the many lives he shaped and the stories that will be told again and again.

A memorial service for James Bennett will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 4:00 PM at Cross of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 585 E. Slifer Street, Portage. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM until the hour of service. A light meal will follow the service and inurnment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to Cross of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage, American Legion Auxiliary HQ in Portage, or VFW Post 6003 in Oxford are appreciated.

A special thanks to Heartland Hospice for getting us through the final chapter of Jim’s life.

Jim will be loved and remembered forever.

Crawford Funeral and Cremation Service of Oxford and Montello is honored to be serving the family. www.CrawfordFH.com