THORNDIKE — James W. Bennett Sr. passed away unexpectedly June 21, 2015. He was born Nov. 7, 1946, the son of Charles and Mavis (Gibbs) Bennett of Brooks.

Jim attended Morse Memorial School in Brooks until 1964. He was part of the first graduating class from Mount View High School in 1965. He had several careers over the years including driving school bus for Maine School Administrative District 3 for more than 30 years. In the past he worked as a carpenter, owned Jim's Auction Hall and Jim's Dollar Stretcher store in Jackson. For the past 13 years he proudly served as selectmen for the town of Thorndike.

He is survived by his two sons, Jim Bennett Jr. and his wife, Sirena, and Mark Bennett and his wife, Michelle; his brothers, Tom and Randy Bennett and their families; and his sister, Joanne's, family. He is also survived by six grandsons, Zachary, Jeremy, Markie, James, Timothy and Alex Bennett; and five great-granddaughters; his extended family with Madeline Hotham, her daughter, Sherri Caldwell, and her son, Doug Ward, and their children and grandchildren and many very close friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Joanne Fields; and his long-time companion, Madeline Hotham.

Jim enjoyed many hobbies, including competing in horse pulling and riding horses for many years. He often made and sold crafts at local craft fairs, a valuable skill he shared with his grandchildren. He often cooked his beans or made a cake to share with others. Jim loved to spend time talking on the phone with his family and friends.

A special thank you to his long time physician and friend, Dr. Charles Kreigal of Inland Family Care in Unity. Jim loved to tell stories of his visits and the jokes and stories they shared.

In Jim’s memory, donations may be made to Inland Family Care, 80 Main St., Unity, ME 04988.

A celebration of Jim's life for family and friends took place at the Thorndike Town Office on July 11.

Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home.