James "Jim" Herbert Bennett

Jim Bennett passed away in Portland, Oregon on May 9th of heart failure. He was 87 years old.

Jim was born on March 15, 1938, in North Bend, Oregon to Charles and Viola Krick (McCue), the youngest of 13 children. He was then adopted by John and Laura Bennett. Jim spent most of his childhood in North Bend, Yachats, and Florence, with a short period in Portland when his father worked in the shipyards to support the war effort. He had many memories of living on the Oregon coast: fishing from the rocks, exploring with his dog Flip, and even having a pet deer named Bambi. He graduated from Siuslaw High School in Florence in 1956, where he participated in football, basketball, baseball, and track.

He went on to attend Oregon State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in 1962, and a Master’s degree in Pharmacy in 1963. This was followed by several years of teaching and doing research at the University. He married his lifelong friend Suzanne Blomquist on February 19, 1960, in Corvallis. Literally childhood sweethearts, the two met when Jim was 4 years old and she was 2. Following their nuptials, Suzanne often joined Jim in the lab at OSU assisting with his research. Jim spent his career as a pharmacist, lending his knowledge and sharp wit to customers and colleagues at retail pharmacies in the Portland Clinic, Safeway, Bi-Mart, and Fred Meyer. The family lived briefly in Portland and Hawaii before returning to Corvallis, where they raised their six children. In his later life, he was able to reconnect with his birth family, which brought him much joy. After 51 years of marriage, Suzanne passed in 2011 of cancer. In 2023, after 65 years in Corvallis, Jim moved to Portland to be closer to family.

Jim was a proud Beaver alumnus, watching every sporting event that he could. He also really enjoyed the Hallmark Channel, much to the amusement of his children. He loved doting on his pet dogs, painting, and music. Jim was a gifted accordion player, paying for college by giving lessons and playing at events. He loved being a family man and went to as many games and dance recitals as he could.

Jim will be sorely missed by his children, Brad (Kim), Matt (Heather), Suzie (William), Tina, David (Melanie), and Angie (Bob); grandchildren, Carissa, Will (Brooke), Abby (Jake), Hannah (Kai), James, Jacob (Tyler), Anna (Colton), Andy, Wadia, and Fatima; great-grandchildren, Lilly and Leslie; brother, Leon (Carol); and other family.

Interment was held at Oak Lawn Memorial Park in Corvallis, where his family gathered for his burial and to share memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Transportation Reaching People of Clackamas County.