James Thurston Bennett

James was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma on October 14th, 1945 to Allyn C. Bennett and Margaret E. Thurston. He graduated from Temple High School in 1964, Baylor University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Texas A&M University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, and The University of Texas in Arlington in 1985 with a Masters of Engineering. James also achieved certifications as a Professional Engineer and Flood Plain Manager. After a long and successful career as a Civil Engineer, he retired from the FAA in 2011. James was also a veteran, serving in the United States Air Force on active duty for four years and as a Reservist for 16 years. Upon retirement, he had achieved the rank of Major.

James was married December 21st 1974 to Rose Mary Holliman at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Houston, TX, enjoying 43 wonderful years of marriage. James is survived by his wife Rose Mary, four daughters and son-in-laws: Mary and Lem Moran, Emily and Praveen Andrews, Jennifer and Jimmy Reumuth, Sarah and Robert Terkla. He is also survived by his brothers Allyn and Kenneth Bennett and sister, Kathy Bennett Thompson. He was blessed with seven grand-children: Mary Luisa and Isabella Mae Moran, Avery Rose Terkla, Alyssa Lauren and Finley James Reumuth; and yet to be born Philip James and Lily Rose Andrews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Stephen Bennett. He was a devoted husband and Father, enjoying spending time with his wife, daughters and grand-children.

James was an avid history enthusiast and enjoyed singing in the church choir. In the last years of his life he was able to fully enjoy life, camping and traveling with his wife by his side, creating countless memories together. He will be remembered as a Christian man and a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother by his family and friends.

A Funeral Service will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at Smithfield United Methodist Church, 6701 Smithfield Rd, North Richland Hills, TX 76182. Burial will follow in Smithfield Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, 5725 Colleyville Blvd. Colleyville, TX 76034 Pallbearers will be Stephen Bennett, R.T. Bennett, David Bennett, John Winfrey, Jerry Michael Winfrey, Roy Wood, Richard Brown, Robert Terkla and Jason Winfrey.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Smithfield United Methodist Church, The Salvation Army or The Veteran's Affairs.