James Lawrence Bennett

He was born in Galion, Ohio, to Lawrence and Edith McGee Bennett on July 20, 1940.

He is a graduate of Galion Senior High School in 1958, and he attended Bliss College in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from Tiffin University, Tiffin, Ohio in 1963.

Jim was raised in the family business in Galion, Bennett's Department Store. He worked there until the closing of the business in 1981 after the passing of both of his parents. He then became a salesman for The Adam H. Bartel Co. of Richmond, Indiana, selling clothing and fabrics to retail stores in Ohio. After Bartel's closing in 1999, he became a salesman for The Brewer Sewing Supplies and Fabrics, Chicago, Illinois, until his retirement in 2002. He also sold sewing patterns part time for Pattern Peddler. Jim was a member of Just North/North Congregational United Church of Christ in Columbus, Ohio.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Bryan. Survived by his partner of 30 years, David Adkins; a daughter, Becky Elliott and her fiancé Carl McCollister; grandchildren James Elliott, Gabrielle Elliott, Megan Bennett; and great-granddaughter Ariel Dybing. Also surviving is a brother, James W. Bennett of Galion, Ohio.

Memorial service will be held October 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Just North/North Congregational United Church of Christ, 2040 W. Henderson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Just North/North Congregational United Church of Christ, 2040 W. Henderson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220; OhioHealth Hospice, 3430 OhioHealth Pkwy, Columbus, Ohio 43202; American Cancer Society, 5555 Franz Road, Dublin, Ohio 43017; or the charity of your choice.