Bennett, James

James “Jim” Preston Bennett, 74, a resident of DeBordieu community and the beloved husband of Sybil DeWitt, passed away Thursday, June 9, 2011, at MUSC in Charleston. He was born a son of James Preston Bennett, Jr. and Henrigee Parker Bennett on June 10, 1936 in Reidsville, GA. He was a 1953 graduate of Johnsonville High School and a 1959 Civil Engineering graduate of the University of South Carolina. He served over the years as the Vice-President of JA Jones Construction Company, President and CEO of Rogers Construction Company, and President of PCL USA. Mr. Bennett‘s work includes his integral part of the building of the Mall of America, Denver International Airport, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Many of his projects were international including projects in Boliva, Saudi Arabia, and the Netherlands. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather; an avid golfer; and devoted fan of the “USC Fighting Gamecocks” and a 30+ year member of the Gamecock Club Member. Jim and Sybil were married in 1953 and celebrated 58 years together. From their blessed union were born: two daughters, Charlotte B. Moore and Mandy B. Pegram; six grandchildren, Emily (Richard) Donaldson, Erin Pegram, April Pegram, Christina Moore, Casey Pegram, and James Pegram; and one great grandson, Trevor Novotny. He also leaves behind one brother, Richard “Dick” (Anita) Bennett; a sister, Frances “Puggy” (Bob) Hawkins, and a large extended family including Esther Bennett, Lenair and Marilyn Altman, and Johnny and Nora Cates, and a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and one brother, Grady Bennett. Funeral Service will be 3 PM, Sunday, June 12, 2011, in the Georgetown Chapel of McKenzie Funeral Home with interment in the Garden of Devotion Cemetery in Hemingway, SC. Visitation will be 5-7, Saturday afternoon, June 11, 2011, in the Georgetown Chapel. Memorials may be made to Helping Hands of Georgetown and Ashley G. Gaines Foundation. McKenzie Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bennett Family. An Online Family Register is at McKenzieFH.com