James R. Bennett

James Richard (Jim) Bennett, born June 21, 1930, passed peacefully April 15, 2020 in McMinnville, OR. Jim was born in Multnomah County, Oregon. He lived with his parents James Dew, Thelma Dew and sibling Betty Bennett. He grew up with, and married, his school sweetheart Virginia on April 1, 1948. Jim was an avid community member and played an active role in youth wrestling within Calaveras County, CA. In 1973, Jim helped found and was head coach for the Calaveras Youth Wrestling Club. An annual tournament was later named after him. The Jim Bennett Classic lives on today in honor of him. Jim was a kind, generous, and loving friend, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great great-grandfather. He is survived by his kids David (wife Candy), Terry, Sandy Secco (husband Gene), Sue Mathews (husband Wayne) and Ron. His 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 1 great, great-grandchild call him “grandpa or papa”. Jim was always our go-to guy for outdoor activities including walks in the woods, carving walking sticks and teaching his grandkids how to swim.