James Gervis "Jimmy" Bennett

Bennett, James Gervis "Jimmy" James "Jimmy" Gervis Bennett passed away Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007, at his home in Denham Springs. Jimmy was born into a loving family on Nov. 24, 1923, in Baton Rouge. In 1945, he married his sweetheart, Mae Allison Gautreaux, and they had four sons, James Wayne, Dennis, Mark and Harvey. Being blessed not only once, but twice in love, his family continued to grow after Mae's death when he met and married his other sweetheart, Helga Nairz. Through this marriage his family was extended to include another son, Richard, and two daughters, Barbara and Susan. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Francis Bennett; brothers, William "Billy" Bennett Jr. and Harvey Bennett; wives, Mae Allison and Helga; and eldest son, Wayne, and his loving wife, Bonita. He is survived by four sons and two daughters, Dennis and wife Barbara Bennett of Dickson, Tenn., Mark and wife Linda Bennett of Oregon Ill., Harvey and wife Casey Bennett of Greenwell Springs, Richard and wife Rhonda Irvine of Prairieville, Susan and husband Brad Buchanan of Bastrop, Texas, and Barbara and husband Mike Swafford of Denham Springs; sisters, Catherine Stader and Lorraine Simoneaux; and brother, Larry Bennett. Jimmy was a loving and supportive Paw Paw to 30 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Jimmy spent most of his working life as a pipe fitter and member of Local 198. Jimmy loved to serve. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a branch president. He loved working on his family genealogy, gardening and served in many church callings during his life. He will be remembered as a loving son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and devoted companion to his beloved pets, Minnie and Heidi. Pallbearers will be York Bennett, Bryce Bennett, Joshua Bennett, Jessie Bennett, Corey Bennett, James Bennett Jr. and Jose Cabrera. Visiting at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., on Monday, Jan. 29, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Tuesday from noon until service at 2 p.m. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial Park.