James (Jim) Cecil Bennett
August 21, 1945 ~ January 9, 2026
Born in:
Owatonna, Minnesota
Resided in:
New Hampton, Iowa
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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So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I’ll never forget all the times he said to me, hey I got a joke for ya!!! Although I never worked with Jim personally, I will always thank him and Ann for giving me the opportunity to come out of retirement and work at Bennetts for several more years. Prayers and hugs to you all. Love you all🙏❤️
Our deepest sympathies Ann and family, Jim was such a helpful at the pharmacy and Ann a wonderful organist! Both of you were essential to the community!
I am sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. Jim was a very bright and talented man I am honored to have known. He is a big loss for New Hampton.
I am so sorry for your loss! Jim & Ann were a great couple & raised a great family.
RIP
Deepest sympathy to the Bennett family.
God Bless ….
Ann and family,
Our sincere sympathies for your loss.
Always enjoyed visiting with Jim and his humor and jokes.
He was a great guy!!
Sorry to hear about Jim passing. He never was one to complain and always had something to say. When I think of New Hampton, I think of Jim and Bennett’s Pharmacy . But finally, he is at peace and out of pain. Big Hugs to Ann and all his family
Mary Jane Leach
You all have my sympathy! Very sorry for your loss. May he Rest in Peace!
Ann and Bennett Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing to his eternal home. We are saying a prayer and keeping you all in our thoughts as you grieve your loss. God’s angels comfort you.
To the many families of Jim, you have my sympathy. Always enjoyed visiting with Jim for many years and his special card collection from the back room when a card was needed for a special occasion.
To the many families of Jim, you have my sympathy. Always enjoyed visiting with Jim for many years and his special card collection from the back room when a card was needed for a special occasion. Larry Finnegan.
Ann and family. Sorry for your loss. He always had a smile and something to say to everybody. He will ne missed. Thought and prayers are with you.
Stephen and Shelley Stalder
Our hearts go out to the entire Bennett family in the passing of Jim. He was one of the most knowledgeable, witty, and genuinely caring people we have ever known. Whether you knew him as your pharmacist or simply as a friend, Jim had a way of making everyone feel like family—and you could always count on a double dose of his favorite medicine: humor.
Jim’s knowledge was legendary, and it’s clear his eight children inherited both his intelligence and his wit (even if they might hesitate to admit it). What was never in question was how deeply proud Jim was of each and every one of them.
The New Hampton community has lost a true ambassador, and it’s hard to imagine anyone ever filling the space Jim leaves behind. While we extend our deepest sympathy to Ann and the entire family, we also smile knowing they carry with them a nearly inexhaustible supply of memories—stories, laughter, and moments—that will continue to bring comfort and smiles even in their grief.
My sincere sympathy in Jim’s passing
Jim was so kind, closed, was not closed to Jim if a person needed medication. Besides Jim would hand the medication to you with a Bennett smile,! RIP
Our sincere condolences to you Ann and all of your family. Jim will be remembered for kindness, wit and humor. May he rest peacefully in the arms of his Savior.
Hugs to all,
Louise and Donn
Sending condolences and love to the Bennett family. ❤️❤️❤️
My sympathy to Ann & her family. Jim made a lot of people smile so now he can rest in peace🙏
May the joy and peace of Christ fill the empty places in the hearts of all who knew and loved Jim. His legacy will live on for a long time. He will be missed.