James "Jim" Martin Bennett

James "Jim" Martin Bennett, aged 80, passed away peacefully of natural causes on May 25, 2026, in Fort Pierce, Florida. A man of immense energy, generosity, and service, Jim left a lasting mark on every community he called home.

Jim was born on March 2, 1946, in Paris, Illinois and grew up in Chrisman, Illinois. He was a proud veteran who honorably served his country in the United States Army. Following his military service, Jim built a distinguished career as a business consultant and advisor, widely respected for his dedication to Northwest Indiana. Throughout the years, he expertly represented and guided numerous municipalities across the region, including Gary, Merrillville, Lake County, Hammond, and most recently, the City of East Chicago. His leadership and dedication to the State of Indiana were officially recognized in 2004 when he was awarded the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest honor bestowed by the Governor of Indiana for distinguished service.

Jim spent many meaningful years living in Chesterton, Indiana, and Union Pier, Michigan, before moving to Fort Pierce, Florida. Wherever he lived, Jim was passionately involved in the community, known by many for his profound generosity of both his time and resources. Over the years, he lent his leadership to numerous organizations. Previously, he served as President of the Lakes of Four Seasons Board in Crown Point, President of the Southwest Michigan Chapter of the Steelheaders, and as Captain of the Sand Creek Country Club in Chesterton. Most recently, he was a valued board member for the Sav-A-DC3 Mr. Douglas Society Inc and the Riverside at the Sands Condominium Association, as well as the President of the Sands 1 Condominium Association. Jim was also an active member of the American Legion and the Elks, and he dedicated time to volunteering with Sarah's Kitchen at the First Bethel Church in Fort Pierce.

An avid hobbyist, Jim lived by the philosophy of never doing anything half-way. He approached life with boundless enthusiasm, most notably as a passionate fisherman, hunter and skydiver. He loved jumping with his “Freak Brothers” and in 1983, his skydiving achievements culminated in a world-record 72-way largest formation, earning him the Freefall Achievement Award from the United States Parachute Association. Jim was also a dedicated Corvette enthusiast, achieving the pinnacle of recognition from the National Corvette Restoration Society by being awarded both the Duntov Mark of Excellence Award and the Chevrolet Bowtie Award. His other favorite pursuits included golfing, ATVing, traveling, and appreciating fine food and wine.

Jim is survived and dearly missed by his next of kin: his nieces, Brooks Bennett-Miller (Scott Miller) and Blair Bennett (Tom Colella). He leaves behind a legacy of immense love for his great-nieces, Teagan and Ashlyn Miller, and his great-nephew, Mark Miller. He is also survived by many dear friends whose lives he enriched, just as they enriched his.

Celebrations of Life

 To honor Jim's incredible life, services will be held across the communities he loved: 

Florida Service: A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at the American Legion Post 40 (810 S US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34950) from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (Tribute at 4pm).

• Michigan Service: A simultaneous Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (4pm Tribute) at the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Elks Lodge #541 (601 Riverview Drive, Benton Harbor, MI 49022).
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• Illinois Service: A third service will be held in Paris, Illinois, with details and timing to be announced at a later date.

Memorial Donations

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Jim's honor to two organizations close to his heart:

• First Bethel Church, 506 N 11th St, Fort Pierce, FL 34950 (with designation to Sarah's Kitchen)
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• SAV-A-DC3 The Mr. Douglas Society Inc., 1380 Flightline Blvd, DeLand, FL 32724 Blue Skies, Jim.