James Bennett, 56, of Mahanoy City died Thursday evening shortly after arrival at the Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton. James was born in Pottsville, a son of Earldamonde Darker Bennett of Gilberton and the late James Joseph Bennett.

James is of the Catholic faith, attended local schools and had served in the US Army.

He was employed as a wrapper at Jeld-Wen in Ringtown.

He enjoyed drag and stock car racing as well as billiards and belonged to Northern Valley Pool League.

In addition to his mother he is survived by his wife Irene Weikel Bennett, Daughters Shonna Seddon Orwigsburg, Jessica Bennett Mahanoy City, step-sons Floyd Dillman Mahanoy Plane and Danial Dillman Shenandoah.

Surviving are two brothers Michael and Dennis Bennett both of Gilberton, six sisters Miriam Long Strausstown PA, Theresa Kuropatsky Gilberton, Bernice Bennett Mahanoy City, Loretta Bennett Minersville, Colleen Gilgore Ashland, Toni Walter Gilberton.

There are three grand-children Paige Dillman, Linlei Bennett and Piper Ebling.

Funeral will be Tuesday 10 am at the Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home and Crematory Mahanoy City.

Interment will be in the Queen of Mercy Cemetery, Peach Mountain St. Clair where a White Dove will be released in his memory.

Friends may call at the Funeral home Monday from 6 until 8 pm and Tuesday from 9 am.