In memoriam: James Bennett, served two years on the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors
James Dewey Bennett, who between 1984-86 served two consecutive one-year terms as the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services ex officio member on the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, died Jan. 24 in Red House, Virginia. He was 90 years old.
Born on April 11, 1933, in Campbell County, Virginia, Bennett was the son of the late Paul Dewey Bennett and Hannah Baldwin Jennings Bennett. In fall of 1950 at age 17, he left the farm to attend Virginia Tech, majoring in animal science. But his college career was cut short after his father suffered a series of heart attacks later that year.
He later served his country as a member of the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged from the service in 1957, one month early to get home in time for planting. Upon his return, he married his childhood sweetheart, Barbara Scott Bennett, his wife of 66 years.
Over a 60-year career in the beef seedstock cattle business, Bennett was a performance pioneer, master breeder, industry leader, and consummate gentleman. He was involved in many local, state, and national organizations that promoted the advancement of cattle breeding and agriculture.
His involvement resulted in many recognitions starting with the coveted Future Farmers of America American Farmer Degree. He received the National Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Seedstock Producer of the Year in 1978 and 1998, was inducted into the American Hereford Association Hall of Fame and the Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame, and he received the BIF Continuing Service Award and Pioneer Award.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children, Elizabeth B. Holthaus and husband, Lowrey, of Richmond; Paul S. Bennett and wife, Tracy; James G. Bennett and wife, Annette; Brian R. Bennett and wife, Cara; and Jonathan H. Bennett and wife, Melissa, all of Red House; 10 grandchildren, Scott Bennett and wife, Sarah; Hunter Holthaus and wife, Brandi; Dalton Bennett and wife, Monica; Sarah Grigg and husband, Matt; Olivia Fanney and husband, Dylan; Leighanne Saunders and husband, Andrew; Anne Bennett Kemp and husband, Richard; Meredith Bennett and fiancé, Cory Wingo; Audrey Bennett, and Hannah Bennett; five great-grandchildren, Kennedy Ann Bennett, Hadley Mae Bennett, Eller Grey Saunders, Brooks Bennett Holthaus, and Mallorie James Fanney, and four expectant great-grandchildren coming spring/summer 2024; one sister, Mae Bennett Guthrie of Harrisonburg; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, James Dewey Bennett, Jr., and a brother, Ralph Jennings Bennett.
A funeral service was held Jan. 28, followed by burial at the Providence Baptist Church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested that friends honor James’ memory by making contributions to the Hereford Youth Foundation of America, 11500 N. Ambassador Drive, Suite 410, Kansas City, MO 64153, or the Angus Foundation, 3201 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO 64506.
