James Lawrence Bennett Jr.

Jimmie Bennett passed away Thursday, September 25, 2025, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Lorraine; his sister Anne; and nieces and nephew Danielle Schweikert (Jeff), Jennifer Quigley (Chris and son Fred), Katie Bennett and Robert Bennett. Jimmie was the oldest offspring of the late Elizabeth Porter and James L. Bennett, Sr.

An average size man, he had a huge and gregarious personality. He was born on Valentine's Day 1939 and lived all his life in the oceanfront area of Virginia Beach except for seasonal tennis jobs. A person of deep faith, he was the longest living member of the First Presbyterian Church, Virginia Beach, having been baptized, married, and soon to be memorialized in the same church. He attended the Everett School on Cavalier Drive, W.T. Cooke Elementary School, Christchurch School in Urbanna, VA, Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, VA, and Elon College (University) in Elon, NC.

Besides learning the academic curriculum at each school Jimmie developed and honed his athletic skills. He was a left-handed catcher on Christchurch's baseball team and was initiated into their monogram club in the 9th grade. His athleticism really shone when he took up tennis. He said he learned how to replicate many unusual shots and about ball placement by watching advanced players. Jimmie had very acute hand eye coordination and instinct showed him where his opponent's ball would land. His quickness to get to the ball and his seemingly effortless placement of his return shot contributed to him being considered a formidable opponent. He won many tennis tournaments. He was especially proud of winning the Men's Single tournament at the Princess Anne Country Cub in 1958 at the age of 19 against many more seasoned and advanced players. He repeated the victory in 1965. He was a seeded player his freshman and sophomore years on the men's tennis team at Elon College. This was the spark that ignited his career. He was the tennis pro (professional instructor) at various private clubs and resorts, including those in Nassau, Bahamas; Pompano Beach, FL, Fredericksburg, VA, and at the original oceanfront courts of the Cavalier Hotel and then on the landside Cavalier and Capes courts and finally on his private court. He taught many friends and neighbors and their children.

Long distance running became a passion of his in the mid 70's. He and a personal trainer-friend, Tim, competed in many marathons including the early Shamrock which was run on the boardwalk and the Marine Corps in DC; they qualified to run the Boston Marathon in 1979. It was a milestone event. At age 39, his time was as good as those years younger.

When asked what he was most proud of, Jimmie would say donating blood to save lives. Early in life he made it a habit to donate whenever and wherever he was eligible which he did until he began chemotherapy a few years ago. He officially donated 182 pints of blood to the American Red Cross but he also donated in Kentucky and Florida to different blood banks.

Jimmie loved to make people feel good. He believed laughter was the best medicine - for the soul and the body. He was known for wearing mismatched socks. On purpose he put on green and purple, orange and blue. Likewise, he enjoyed wearing t-shirts with humorous sayings, like "I'd be a millionaire if my mother hadn't thrown away my baseball cards." People from all walks of life would smile and laugh. When Jimmie saw a person whom he felt might need help, he would ask, "Can I help you?" In Jimmie's memory, if you see someone needing assistance, pay forward his offer to help. In lieu of flowers a contribution in his name to his favorite charity The Salvation Army, Hampton Roads Command, 5525 Raby Road, Norfolk, VA, 23502, or your favorite non-profit would also be appreciated.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at hdoliver.com.

The family will receive friends at H D Oliver Funeral Apartments, 2002 Laskin Rd, Virginia Beach, VA, 23454, Friday, October 10, 2025, from 4:30 to 7 pm.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 11 am at the First Presbyterian Church, 300 36th Street, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451, with a reception to follow.