James Bennett, 68, of Mankato, died Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011, at Hillcrest Health Care Center in Mankato.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at North Mankato Mortuary – Northview, 2060 Commerce Dr., North Mankato. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery in Albert Lea.

James Walter Bennett was born Feb. 26, 1943, in Albert Lea to Boyd J. Willis and Hazel (Ingamells) Bennett. He entered the United States Air Force at the age of 16. James married Barbara Schaefer in Sioux Falls, S.D. on July 25, 1980. He worked as research and development manager for Katolight, was a professional musician for 18 years, and enjoyed inventing different things, holding multiple patents. James loved fishing, shooting pool, and woodworking.

James is survived by his wife, Barbara; children: Shawn (Samantha) Bennett, of McGregor, Tim (Wendy) Bennett, of Vernon Center; Rick Feist, of Baltimore, Md.; six grandchildren: Nick, Zack, Abby, Jessica, Sam and Joe; mother, Hazel; brother, Larry J (Twyla) Bennett; sister, Sandra (David) Raabolle.

He was preceded in death by his father, Boyd.