Mr. James Earl “Jimmy” Bennett, Jr., age 56, of Ellijay, passed away on Tuesday, April 3, 2018. He was born on Saturday, August 12, 1961 in Enid, Oklahoma. He was a member of Epworth First Baptist Church. He was an Eagle Scout and graduated from Mercer University and Emory University. He worked for many years as a Defense Attorney and later worked for the Georgia Department of Labor. Jim enjoyed hiking, rafting, and river guiding on the Toccoa and Ocoee Rivers. He loved the outdoors and animals. Jim was a very giving, generous man and would literally give you the shirt off his back. He loved spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Bennett; daughter and son-in-law Meghan Elizabeth and Chris McNerney of Yelm, Washington; son and daughter-in-law, James Daniel and Nicole Bennett of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; father, Jim and Beverly Bennett, Sr. of Blue Ridge; mother, Daisy Bennett Fowler of Watkinsville; sisters and brother-in-law, Darlene Bennett of Watkinsville, and Beth and Brent Ware of Morganton. Numerous other relatives and friends also survive.

A memorial service in honor of Mr. Bennett was held on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. from the Epworth First Baptist Church with Dr. Tom Jordan officiating. Music was by Rev. Doug Simonds In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to go towards Esophageal Cancer Research and/or a college scholarship fund. Donations should be made to Akins Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements.