August 21, 1945 ~ January 9, 2026
James (Jim) Cecil Bennett, age 80, of New Hampton, IA died on Friday, January 9, 2026 with his beloved wife by his side at the New Hampton Nursing and Rehab Facility after battling multiple cancers for decades.
Funeral services will be held at Holy Family Parish on Monday, January 19th at 10:30 am.
Visitation will be held from 4-6:00 p.m. on January 18th at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton. Visitation will continue an hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.
Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton has been entrusted with arrangements.
Jim was born on August 21, 1945 in Owatonna, MN, to Cecil and Viola (Henning) Bennett. The family later moved to Clear Lake, IA, where he graduated high school. While in high school he learned the craft of watch repair under the mentorship of Don Burke, a local jeweler, and he was also in attendance for the last performance of Buddy Holly at Surf Ballroom on February 3, 1959. He then attended Mason City Junior College (now NIACC) followed by Drake University, where he graduated from Drake School of Pharmacy in 1968. It was during his time at Drake that he met his future wife, Ann, while rehearsing for a musical program during the Drake Relays.
He was united in marriage to Ann Louise Hausman on August 10, 1968, in Onawa, IA. They moved to Northwood, IA, where they began their careers as a pharmacist and music teacher, and it was there that he also earned his pilots license. After 2 years they moved to Britt, IA, where they started raising their family. While in Britt, Jim was a member of the Britt school board, Hobo Convention Board, and an active participant in the Rotary Club. On April 1, 1979, Jim and Ann purchased Hauth Drug in New Hampton, IA, later becoming Bennett Pharmacy. Throughout these years, Jim and Ann became proud parents to eight children, welcomed at various times during their moves. Jim enjoyed his days as a pharmacist where he could interact and educate customers, crack jokes with anyone, and spend time visiting the local business owners; grabbing popcorn at Scheuth’s Ace Hardware, donuts at Judy’s Bakery, and stopping in at many other local establishments.
Jim is survived by his wife Ann, of 57 years. His 8 children, Jodi (Jeff) Bobenmoyer of New Hampton, Matt (Lisa) Bennett of Des Moines, Jill (Brandon) Strayer of Waunakee, WI, Linda Kassim of Kansas City, MO, Kathy (Michael) Jackson of San Antonio, TX, John (Stephanie) Bennett of Chesterfield, MO, Mark (Andrea) Bennett of North Liberty, IA, Nick (Jillian) Bennett of Lee’s Summit, MO, 22 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 2 brothers, Larry (Deb) Bennett of Rushville, IL, Jeff (Theresa) Bennett, of Macomb, IL, sister-in-law Pam Bennett, and many other beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Viola Bennett, father and mother in-laws, Harold and Lillian Hausman, brother Richard Bennett and sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Craig Schoonover.
In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the St. Joseph’s Community School Give Program, where all his children attended, or the American Cancer Society Donate Today | The American Cancer Society .
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