James Cecil "Jim" Bennett

James Cecil "Jim" Bennett obituary, New Hampton, IA

James Cecil "Jim" Bennett

James Bennett Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home - New Hampton on Jan. 11, 2026.
James (Jim) Cecil Bennett, age 80, of New Hampton, IA died on Friday, January 9, 2026 with his beloved wife by his side at the New Hampton Nursing and Rehab Facility after battling multiple cancers for decades.

Funeral services will be held at Holy Family Parish on Monday, January 19th at 10:30 am. Burial will take place at a later date. Friends and family are invited for lunch immediately following the service at the church.

Visitation will be held from 4-6:00 p.m. on January 18th at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton. Visitation will continue an hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton has been entrusted with arrangements.

Jim was born on August 21, 1945 in Owatonna, MN, to Cecil and Viola (Henning) Bennett. The family later moved to Clear Lake, IA, where he graduated high school. While in high school he learned the craft of watch repair under the mentorship of Don Burke, a local jeweler, and he was also in attendance for the last performance of Buddy Holly at Surf Ballroom on February 3, 1959. He then attended Mason City Junior College (now NIACC) followed by Drake University, where he graduated from Drake School of Pharmacy in 1968. It was during his time at Drake that he met his future wife, Ann, while rehearsing for a musical program during the Drake Relays.

He was united in marriage to Ann Louise Hausman on August 10, 1968, in Onawa, IA. They moved to Northwood, IA, where they began their careers as a pharmacist and music teacher, and it was there that he also earned his pilots license. After 2 years they moved to Britt, IA, where they started raising their family. While in Britt, Jim was a member of the Britt school board, Hobo Convention Board, and an active participant in the Rotary Club. On April 1, 1979, Jim and Ann purchased Hauth Drug in New Hampton, IA, later becoming Bennett Pharmacy. Throughout these years, Jim and Ann became proud parents to eight children, welcomed at various times during their moves. Jim enjoyed his days as a pharmacist where he could interact and educate customers, crack jokes with anyone, and spend time visiting the local business owners; grabbing popcorn at Scheuth's Ace Hardware, donuts at Judy's Bakery, and stopping in at many other local establishments.

Jim is survived by his wife Ann, of 57 years. His 8 children, Jodi (Jeff) Bobenmoyer of New Hampton, Matt (Lisa) Bennett of Des Moines, Jill (Brandon) Strayer of Waunakee, WI, Linda Kassim of Kansas City, MO, Kathy (Michael) Jackson of San Antonio, TX, John (Stephanie) Bennett of Chesterfield, MO, Mark (Andrea) Bennett of North Liberty, IA, Nick (Jillian) Bennett of Lee's Summit, MO, 22 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 2 brothers, Larry (Deb) Bennett of Rushville, IL, Jeff (Theresa) Bennett, of Macomb, IL, sister-in-law Pam Bennett, and many other beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Viola Bennett, father and mother in-laws, Harold and Lillian Hausman, brother Richard Bennett and sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Craig Schoonover.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the St. Joseph's Community School Give Program, where all his children attended, or the American Cancer Society Donate Today | The American Cancer Society.

641-394-4334

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign James Bennett's Guest Book

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January 16, 2026

Paula Kitchen posted to the memorial.

January 15, 2026

Jerry & Cheryl Donlon posted to the memorial.

January 13, 2026

Elaine D. Watschke posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Paula Kitchen

January 16, 2026

I was in high school with Jim also. Jim, Ann, my husband and I became very good friends when we moved to Britt. Our friendship continued through the years after they moved to New Hampton. We spent those years laughing and having a wonderful time. Jim kept us in stitches every time we were together. He was one of a kind and I will miss Jim and his friendship tremendously.

Jerry & Cheryl Donlon

January 15, 2026

Our heartfelt sympathy to Ann and the Bennett8. It was a pleasure to work at the pharmacy in the 1990s and early 2000s. Many memories still exist. Sorry we are in Arizona and won't be able to attend on Monday. Jerry and Cheryl Donlon

Elaine D. Watschke

January 13, 2026

I was also in the class of 1963 in Clear Lake with Jim. When Paula Kitchen and I visited our home town we often visited with Jim and Ann. They were two wonderful people and their family was their pride and joy.
His was a life well lived. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Elaine Sargent Watschke Mission Viejo, CA

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Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home - New Hampton

101 West Main Street, New Hampton, IA 50659

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Sign James Bennett's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 16, 2026

Paula Kitchen posted to the memorial.

January 15, 2026

Jerry & Cheryl Donlon posted to the memorial.

January 13, 2026

Elaine D. Watschke posted to the memorial.