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James Lay Bennett

Jun. 5, 1929 - Jun. 26, 2020

Date of Service: Jul. 1, 2020

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MALTA – James Lay Bennett was born June 5, 1929, to Samuel and Solena Emmett Bennett in Holden, Utah, and passed this life on June 26, 2020. He was raised with nine other siblings: Virginia, Emmett, Albert, Mary, Ivan, Wilford, Jonathan, Joy and Joan.

He fulfilled a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1950-52 to Montana, the Dakotas and Wyoming. Shortly after his release, in 1953, he served his country during the Korean War. After his discharge, while working in Salt Lake City, Utah, he met the love of his life, Jeanette Barlow. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple by LeGrand Richards on April 22, 1955.

After being employed by General Motors Corporation in California for many years, the death of his father-in-law called him home to Malta, Idaho, where he took over the responsibilities and ownership of the Chevron Service Station for four decades. He established a love for the area and an appreciation for the people in Malta and the surrounding area.

James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jeanette; his parents; and eight of his nine siblings, leaving behind his baby sister, Joan.

A fisherman at heart, Uncle Jimmy has given his nieces and nephews many cherished memories. He has touched our hearts forever with his love, example and fond times together.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Malta, where friends and family may call from 9:30 until 10:45 a.m. Bishop Dallan Spencer will officiate. Burial with conferring military honors will follow at Valley Vu Cemetery in Malta under the direction of the Mini-Cassia Veterans Groups.

The family would like to express our appreciation to his caregivers and the wonderful people of Malta for their friendship and service to our Uncle Jimmy.

For those unable to attend in person, a live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available at the following link: https://youtu.be/srkafHVWaJo.

After the Funeral Service, a live webcast of the Graveside Service will be available at the following link: https://youtu.be/eEGvFWb2lxQ.

It is requested those attending the funeral service wear a mask to assist in reducing the spread of COVID-19.

Condolences for James Lay Bennett

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Katheryn Bennett Miles:

Uncle Jimmy, thanks for the father figure you have been to me all my life and especially when I went off to college! You have been a great example to me and I will always love you. Family Forever! Love Katheryn

From clair s harmon:

We share some great and cherished memories. We will sure miss you and all the avocados, cherries and melons we shared. Love you Uncle James.

From Dale:

I wish with all my heart that I can follow the example and expectations received from Uncle Jim

From Tina Powers:

We loved Jim like a brother. He is such a great man. He will truly be missed and we know his reunion with Jeanette was wonderful. I will miss his sweet window-grown tomatoes and his smiles and kindness.

From Jerry and Delma Udy:

Thanks to Jim for. Looking after Mom and the rest of " widows row ". He was a great help to use. Jerry and Delma Udy

From Gary Harper:

Jim has an inner strength and foundation that blessed all the people of Malta. He loved God, Country and his neighbor. He took us move ins and made us all feel welcome. He is a keeper of gate in Malta and did his job well making us all feel like his family. Well done Jim and Jeanette! Life is even better for them

From Dave and Dorothy Call:

Jim and Jeanette have visited our fruit stand in Willard (Grays Orchard) since I was a young girl. He loved to buy fruit to share with all the good people of Malta. He was always so kind and giving. We will truly miss him.

From Jen and Evan Israelsen:

We sure loved Jim. He took us in and shared his garden produce and peaches and we loved the beef we got from him. Grateful to have known him!

From Connie Anderson Arbon:

Jim bought the Service Station from my Grandparents Dick and Elaine Anderson, he was a great man!!!!

From ROD NELSON. :

Good as they get .RIP.many memories..........

From Florence Hylton Lane:

I knew Jim and Jeanette when I lived in Malta. Such a good couple! I was friends with Jeanette’s sister Colleen Barlow McGhie! Sorry Malta will miss this man!

From Debbie Hitt - Jessop:

Stopping at the station to see Jim was one of my favorite memories of coming home to Malta. He always had a pop for me just like when My dad and I would stop to get gas when I was a child. He was one in a million. Prayers to his family may he Rest In Peace with his loved ones.

From Lorraine Wallace:

Jim and Jeanette were were so good to us when we lived in Malta. They really took us under their wings. Great people. I'm sure they are having a happy reunion.

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