James Edward Bennett III, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on February 24, 2024.  James was born to James Bennett Jr and Laurie Jacobs (Scearce) on March 29, 1983, in Alexandria, VA.  He was raised in Spotsylvania, VA and Woodbridge, VA and graduated from Hylton High School in 2001. James was united in marriage to Kate Bennett on May 19th, 2022 in Springfield, Missouri.  James and Kate shared almost two years of marriage before James’s unexpected passing.  The couple were blessed with a son, Toby.

James was employed as a machine operator with Merrill Steel.  When not working, he had many interests and pastimes including cooking on his smoker, tending to his exotic plants, and tinkering with his Cadillac.  Nothing, however, brought him more fulfillment than being a dad.

James will be remembered as he was often described by others: honest, hardworking, loving, and kind.  He seemed serious but was a big, soft, goofy animal lover.  James had the personality and natural charisma to make friends easily, no matter the circumstances and his laugh was so infectious to everyone around him.

James was preceded in death by his father, James Bennett Jr. and his sister, Amber.  He is survived by his wife, Kate Bennett; children Drew, Sadie, Sophia, and Toby; mother Laurie Jacobs (Scearce); stepmother Tanya, siblings; Elaine, Douglas, Corey, Louise Amanda and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A service for James will be held on Wednesday, March 6th, 2024, at 3 p.m. at Greenlawn Funeral Home North.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in James’s memory to his family for the care and education of Toby.