Jim was born on July 9, 1933 in Granville, Iowa to Alphonse and Marcella Bennier. He graduated from High School in Carroll, Iowa. After high school he worked for the Iowa Soil Commission. He later served in the US Army from 1953-1955. He was married to Evelyn Kitt in Dedham, IA in Oct. 1957. After moving to CA Jim worked for different phone companies in CA, WA and OR retiring in 1992. Jim enjoyed traveling, refinishing furniture and miniature railroading. He was a member of St. Birgitta Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Evelyn; Children: Mike (Laurie), Sharon, and Mark (Linda), 11 Grandchildren, 9 Great Grandchildren and 8 brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Kenneth and Robert. Rosary will be Sunday, February 15th at 7:00 PM at Hustad Funeral Home: Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, Feb. 16th at 9:30 Am at St. Birgitta's Catholic Church, 11820 NW St Helens Rd, Portland. Interment will be at Willamette National Cemetery.