John Harmon Bennett Jr.

1947 - 2020

John Harmon
Bennett, Jr.
1947-2020
John Harmon Bennett, Jr., 73, died peacefully after an eighteen-month battle with ALS, December 27th, 2020. John was born on June 25th, 1947 in Waltham, Massachusetts to Ruth Griffin Bennett and John Harmon Bennett, Sr. Always a Texan at heart, he grew up as an "Air Force Brat" and lived all over, including some time abroad in Japan and England.
After his father retired from the Air Force, he moved home to Big Spring, TX where he attended middle and high school. He graduated from The University of Texas in 1969 where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and finished his B.A. (with highest honors). He married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Sue Nell Burns in 1968. In 1972, he graduated top of his class from the University of Texas Law School where he served on Law Review. A job at Fulbright and Jaworski brought him and Sue to live in Houston where they raised their family.
After Fulbright, he helped found a law firm. Over time it evolved into other firms and he rounded his career out as a solo practitioner. His career was concentrated on general civil litigation and international business transactions. For 37 years he was an involved member of the International Lawyers Group (ILG), where he served as secretary and then President. His time with the ILG provided a lifetime of world travel with his wife and later his children. He had an intensely curious mind and a lifelong passion for learning. He was widely known for being a creative attorney who was sought after as a mentor.
His life was rich. He was a Baptist who attended Chapelwood UMC. He was an avid reader and loved traveling. To his grandchildren he was known as "Pappy." His deep voice and fantastic memory for details led to his reputation as a great storyteller. He was proud of both marathons he completed, one alongside his daughter. He loved Country music. He was a strongly principled man who was well loved and respected by all. He made it a point to let friends and family understand their value to him. He was most proud of his kids and grandchildren.
John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sue Burns Bennett, his children, Kelly Burns Bennett (Caroline), Matthew Robert Bennett (Katie), Caroline Bennett Clay (Jonathan), grandchildren, John Owen Bennett, John Harmon Bennett II, Kelly Westervelt Bennett, James Shackelford Bennett, Margaret Katherine Bennett, Bennett Thomas Clay, and Travis Burns Clay, all of Houston, TX. He leaves three siblings: Sarah Bennett of Albuquerque, NM, William Bennett (Geri) of Little Rock, AR and Charles Bennett of Big Spring, TX and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A celebration of John's life will be announced later.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John's name may be directed to the ALS Association, at ALSTexas.org.