James Ira Bennett

James Ira Bennett, 78, passed away at his home in Woodland, Washington, on September 2, 2026, surrounded by his family.

James was born on August 28, 1948, in Picayune, Mississippi. He attended high school in Columbia, Mississippi, before completing his senior year in Reseda, California. During high school, he enjoyed participating in track and field.

From 1969 to 1973, James served in the United States Navy as a radioman, with assignments in Guam and Australia. While serving in the Navy, he also played varsity tennis.

In 1976, James earned an associate degree in Electronics from Clark College. After James married Pam, his father-in-law, Herbert Jensen, encouraged him to become a log truck driver. James went on to work in the logging industry for nearly 40 years working for Jensen & Grove and White Timber.

James was a natural creator and tinkerer. He loved talking on the CB radio and created many antennas for people. His wide range of interests included science fiction movies, archery, the outdoors, snorkeling, furniture restoration, panning for gold, and gardening. He also had a fascination with swords and knives, especially trying to make them himself.

Above all, James loved his family and was fiercely loyal to those closest to him. He enjoyed joking around, spending time with friends and family, and simply having a good time. He regularly called his siblings, extended family, and friends to stay connected and remain part of their lives.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Garvin and Augusta (Tyler) Bennett; his sister, Carolyn Ann (Bennett) Schumaker; his brother, Fred Pearson; his brother, Red Bennett; his brother and sister-in-law, Johnny and Carol (Stein) Bennett; his sister, Sheila (Bennett) Beattie; and his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy (Bennett) and Jim Compton.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Pam (Jensen) Bennett of Woodland, Washington; his daughter, Jaime Bennett of Woodland, Washington; his son, Daniel Bennett, and daughter-in-law, Hillary Jensen of Woodland, Washington; his brother-in-law, and sister-in-law, Joe and Marion Ross of Hayden, Idaho; his brother-in-law, Jim Beattie, of Haughton, Louisiana; many nieces and nephews, whom he loved like children and grandchildren. He also leaves behind many friends and colleagues who will greatly miss him.

James was a loving and loyal husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle and will be missed greatly.

The burial will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Mountain View Cemetery in Amboy, Washington. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Woodland Seventh-day Adventist Church, with a meal afterward in the fellowship hall.

James will be deeply missed, but his love, laughter, and kindness will remain with everyone who knew him.