James M. Bennett

Still miss that dry humor and unique charm.

Jim´s wit fit into Terry´s family perfectly. Making all laugh even at the end. He will be missed.

I no longer live in Pittsburgh, but I came across Mr. Bennett's obituary. It saddens me to learn of his passing and suffering (cancer). He was truly a GREAT person. He saw myself and my other 3 siblings through 4 years of band AND marching band. Anyone who has been through marching band knows that 3 months of summer practice from 7am-4pm were relentless! Mr. Bennett was with us the ENTIRE TIME. Something as high school kids we never really considered how much of himself, his time, etc. he put into what he did. I remember his reddish beard (not so red later). He was AWESOME! Mr. Bennett had a positive, permanent influence on my life. Thank you, Mr. B., You will always be here in memory.

Youth is wasted on the young. Mr Bs lessons that he gave us every day were under appreciated by myself at the time, and probably many others. However, we see their value, and what it took to give them, when we have the perspective of an adult. Excellence in preparation, practice and performance...all things he relentlessly drilled into us every class and band practice. Expecting excellence from ourselves and helping others to reach for it. We use them in "adult" music if we're still doing it, and in all other areas of our lives. What a gift.I can't thank him enough for putting up with us unruly drummers and teaching these valuable life lessons. I can still hear him yelling into his megaphone sometimes, as if I'm transported back being a teenaged troublemaking drummer in the 80s. Godspeed Mr B.

Thank you for your patience, Mr. Bennett. You were never able to make me a better saxophone player, but you did make me a better person. You will always be remembered.

So very sorry to learn of this. I don´t know if I have a memory of high school that doesn´t include James Bennett. Then, after I taught ten years in the public school, he facilitated my hiring in Upper St. Clair to work with him. Too many memories to list. Perhaps my favorite was as a junior in high school. He was in the hospital and had to miss a concert, so after the concert Bob Getty and I drove to visit him in St. Clair Hospital. Visiting hours were long over so we planned to say we were his doctors since we were wearing our suits from the concert. Nobody stopped us, we walked directly into his room. He said, "you guys need to get the h*ll outta here!" Then as we were leaving, he smiled and called after us, "Hey, thanks for coming... really!" He leaves a void in so many ways. Our family´s deepest condolences to Terry, Chris, Jon, and to the generations after. Love knows no boundaries.

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He will be remembered for all he touched with his love for music. He was also a great teacher as well and a great friend too! May you rest in peace Jim!

Mr. Bennett was the most influential teacher during my years at USC (1976-1980). He provided encouragement, discipline and a critical artistic outlet for me and many other students. My high school experience would not have been nearly as meaningful without him. My sincere condolences to Terry and the entire family. I am certain he is directing God's orchestra.

I have such fond memories working with Jim. He was such an asset to the music and theatre programs at USC. My deepest condolences to Terry and his family.

Great guy, outstanding band director and musician. Advocate for kids and a great friend. Will miss you! Our deepest condolences to Terry and family. Terry & Pamela Kushner

With the greatest respect and gratitude to Mr. B for making my high-school years rich with friendships and a place to feel safe. Mr. B did this for my entire family. His contributions never ended and will live on in the hearts of so many.

Lost a great friend Jim lived hard and strong despite so many medical hardships. He never complained All of us share dearly in his loss. God bless Terry and family