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. Burial will take place at a later date. Friends and family are invited for lunch immediately following the service at the church.
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🙏❤️
Ovey and Duce,
I do believe you were more like part of the family than an employee back then. Jim was now fighting his fifth cancer, and it had taken a lot out of him. After starting with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in 1994 till now that is more of his life than he wanted to fight. So the treatments during this last stage of cancer just didn’t seem to be working very well. He was tired of fighting. So hopefully now he is flying with the angels.
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!
Thank you Ken and Jeanine,
Thanks for the kind sympathy for our family. Jim tried to be a help to everyone at the pharmacy as he knew some of them were fighting cancer just like him. He had had some kind of cancer for 30 years when he started with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. He was just tired of fighting now. So my hope is that he is flying with the angels now.
Thank you Brian,
Jim was always helping some one at the store, whether is was explaining a medication or just telling a joke. He wanted them to feel better after being in the store. And yes we helped your family along the way. So now he is in a better place and hopefully seeing the Lord.
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.
Thank you John for you kind words of Jim. Jim always tried to do his best, especially when helping customers. They many times needed help with their medications. But Jim was tired of fighting now with his fifth cancer. It really wore him down physically and he was tired of fighting. He is in a better place now.
I am so sorry for your loss! Jim & Ann were a great couple & raised a great family.
RIP
Thank you Rosie,
We are so hopeful that our children turn out to be outstanding kids who use the sense we hope we instilled in them. Jim was just tired of fighting and never getting any better after 30 years of some sort of cancer taking over his body. So he is in a better place now, and he can be peaceful.
Rose, yes you did work for us and that was a good time. Even back then he was fighting some form of cancer and the prostate cancer he had now was his 5th. This one really took a lot out of him. And he was just tired of fighting after 30 years of fighting some form of cancer. So now he is in a better place and visiting with the Lord.
Deepest sympathy to the Bennett family.
Roger and Tina,
Thank you for the sympathy for Jim and his whole family. He was so tired of fighting this cancer (30 long year ago when he started his first cancer) he just couldn’t take it any longer. So now he can use his pilot’s license to fly with the angels!
God Bless ….
Steve and Shelly,
Thank you for the kind words of sympathy. And yes the battle was long (his cancer started in 1994) and he was on his 5th cancer now. This one seemed to hit him really hard and he was tired of fighting all the time. So he just quit fighting. ;He is in a better place now and spending time flying with the angels.
Tom and Irene,
Thank you for the kind words about Jim. He tried to not show people of his own pain, but yet it was there so now he is pain free and flying with the angels. That pilot’s license will do him some good hopefully. Thanks again.
Ann and family,
Our sincere sympathies for your loss.
Always enjoyed visiting with Jim and his humor and jokes.
He was a great guy!!
Mike and Dona,
Thank you for the sympathy for Jim. Yes, he always tried to have something humorous to say to try to make people feel better. I wonder if he is trying to do that with the Lord? Good luck with that one, Jim! Thanks again.
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
Mary Jane,
Thank you for your kind thoughts of Jim. And yes, as you said, he didn’t really complain much, but this fifth cancer really took a lot out of him and he was tired of fighting a battle that didn’t seem to have an end to it. So Mary Jane, I don’t see you very much, but thanks for the hug any way and I will pass them around to all the family.
You all have my sympathy! Very sorry for your loss. May he Rest in Peace!
Archie,
Thank you for your sympathy in our loss. But Jim is in a better place now, hopefully surrounded by angels and our Lord. He can be at peace now.
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.
Kevin and Marian,
Thank you for your kind words for Jim. He many years (30!) of fighting cancer are over. His fifth cancer, now, really sent him though a lot of things and he was just tired of fighting. So yes I think he is in a better place now with God’s angels.
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.
Thanks Larry for your sympathy for Jim. Yes, we were sad when we couldn’t get hold of “THAT” kind of card any more. Made lots of friends in the back room. But for Jim, he is in a better place now with the Lord beside him.
Mary,
Thank you for your hugs and thought of Jim. Yes, he is in a better place now and not lying in bed wanting to leave this world. God got a good one who can now fly with the angels.
Patti, What makes you think that Jack and he got together and told jokes? Yes I think the same thing. Jim was always trying to make everyone feel comfortable, especially when they didn’t feel well when coming to the store. He is in a better place now with the angels, one whose name is Jack, and our Lord. Thanks for the sympathies!
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.
Kathy, thank you for the kind words you sent about Jim. He always wanted people to feel welcome no matter how they felt that day. He is in a better place now with the angels and our Lord.
Linda,
Thank you for your sympathy and for being such a loyal customer. Jim tried to make everyone feel at home as they came to the store. And we hope that was instilled in all our children as well. And not long ago you came into the store, Linda, and a couple of our kids were with me and, yes, you remembered their names. It is really amazing that you are still as quick in your mind as you are. Keep it up, Linda and thanks again for your kind words about Jim.
Stephen and Shelley Stalder
Thank you Stephen and Shelly for your kind sympathy. Jim is now in a better place and we hope in the arms of angels and our Savior.
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.
Tom, Ginger, Jason and Lexi,
Thank you for your kind description of Jim, but his love of family was truly first. And he tried to pass along his caring and knowledge to all of them, even if it took a lot of “discussion” to get them to agree!! And Jim so enjoyed your sense of humor, Tom, as the two of you would visit sometimes. It is always good to be able to bring out the humor in people. You are a great friend to all the Bennetts and so I count you as part of the Bennett Family as we all adjust to Jim’s passing. Thanks again.
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
Thank you Sharon for the kind words of Jim. Yes, he just wanted to help people feel better. It wasn’t about him or how he was feeling. And again, thank you for your sympathy.
Thank you Karen for your Kind words. Yes, he spent MANY, MANY years trying to beat cancer. He did that the first 4 times, but this last and 5th time just wouldn’t go away. He still fought to the end, but after so much time he had no more fight in him. Thanks again.
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
Louise and Donn, Thank you for remembering Jim for his kindness. He always wanted to help everyone as they came into the store. He is in a better place now and as you said with his Savior.
Sending condolences and love to the Bennett family. ❤️❤️❤️
Becky, It was a pleasant surprise to see your name in the registry. Jim and I had many good times with you and Kathy during your school years. And now you have a family of your own. So thank you for thinking of the Bennetts now.
Thanks for the kind words for Jim. It has been a long curvy road for Jim for many years so he can finally rest now with the angels around him.
My sympathy to Ann & her family. Jim made a lot of people smile so now he can rest in peace🙏
Thank you for the words of sympathy for Jim. And yes I hope he is at peace now with angels surrounding him next to God himself.
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.
Thank you for the words of peace for Jim. He is in a better place now and not dealing with all that was sent his way with cancer. And, yes, he will be missed greatly.
Thank you two for your kindness. I know that Jim always thought you were such great people when I would tell him how very patient and careful you were when I was doing a funeral with you. We also had the same side as you two have of trying to help others. He is in a better place now.
Thank you for the prayers for Jim and his family. So kind of you.
So sorry for your loss Ann and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mickey and Donna Baltes
Thank you for thinking of Jim at the very sorrowful time. Your prayers are still needed as he goes to meet God and the angels in heaven.
Dear Ann and Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss of your beloved Husband and Father, Jim. I think I first met you in the OB department at St. Joe’s and like so many others have commented, I vividly remember Jim’s great sense of humor. Ann, Bob and I always felt a great connection to you from all the times you played at church and Bob sang.
There is no doubt that New Hampton became a better community because of Jim and Ann and your lovely family. May he Rest in Peace and may you all find strength from your memories of life with Jim. God Bless You All.
Thank you for the comments of Jim. And imagine that—meeting in the OB department. I think I had a reserved spot there for a few years!! But Jim tried his best to help everyone as they came through the door of Bennett Pharmacy. Thanks again.
Jim rarely told people how he really felt but the darn cancer was always there. He and I both tried to make light of what was going on so as to not deal with it 24/7. He is now in a better place. Thanks for the thoughts.
Staci Taylor Thank you for being so kind as to listen to his story….. it is an interesting one for sure. We appreciate your time and willingness to do that as i don’t know to many people who would. You will always hold a special place in our hearts 💕.
Sincerity,
Jodi (daughter of Jim Bennett)
I am so sorry, Ann. I thank God for the memories. What a great man. My sympathy to the entire family. R.I.P. Jim.
You were the apple of his eye in the ER. He always wanted you to be the one to use a needle on him as you seem to have that special touch. My entire family thanks you for the excellent care you gave both of us. I am sure he remembers all the great chats he had with you while you were caring for him and I appreciated that too. Thanks again.
Ann and family we are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. What a great guy that had a personality you loved to talk to.
Take care.
Thanks for the kind words about Jim. He could be very difficult at times while taking care of him, but I always had to remind myself that he was the one suffering and I was trying to help him feel better.
Our condolences and prayers to Ann and family. Always enjoyed Jim’s quick wit when we picked up our meds.
Glad you were able to enjoy Jim’s “funny” side. Thanks for your prayers.
Jim spent MANY years fighting cancer and the fight just got to be too much to bear. Thanks for your prayers.
A good man gone, but he shared that good with others.
Thank you for the kind words about Jim.