Obituary of James Michael Bennett

Mt Juliet, TN – James Michael Bennett, aged 57, of Mt Juliet, TN and formerly of Somers, CT, passed away peacefully at Tri-Care Skyline Hospital on Sunday, April 3d, 2022, surrounded by his family.

James (Jim) was the son of Toni Potter and the late Larry Bennett.  He was born in Bourne, MA on May 26^th, 1964, and was recently pre-deceased by his sister-in-law, Margaret (Peggy) Bennett.  He attended public and parochial schools in Falmouth, MA, Warwick, RI, and Sharon, Colchester, and Falls Village, CT.

In addition to his beloved mother, Jim leaves behind his beloved stepfather, Reyburn C. Potter, Sr; his former wife, Laura Quimby of Mt Juliet, TN; his sister, JoAnne Rodriguez of Mystic, CT; his brother, Jason Bennett of Mt Juliet, TN; step-sister Jennifer DeBlasi (Frank) of Shelton, CT; daughters Rebecca Chandler (William) of Monterey, TN, Amanda Glover (Christopher) of Cincinnati, OH, Cassidy Moheng of Mt Juliet, TN;  sons Kyle Laidman-Bennett of Walpole, MA, Shaun Stenberg of East Helena, MT, and Cam Moheng (Allison) of Whitehouse, TN; grandchildren Jamie Puckett (Jessie), Finley and Luca Glover, Kane Laidman, Kaedin and Gavin Stenberg, Harper and Charlotte Moheng, and Madelyn Bridge as well as great-grand-daughter Mia Puckett.  Jim came from a large family and leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jim’s family would like to make special mention of his dear friends Joe and Sara Seeley of Mt. Juliet, TN, who have been a great comfort and support during this difficult time.  They are wonderful friends of Jim and have come to feel like family for Toni, Jason and Rey.

Jim had a life-long love of old cars. He opened Jim’s Auto Body in Somers, CT, which he ran for ten years.  Prior to owning his own business he did body work for dealerships in Enfield, CT, and worked for the Connecticut Department of Transportation doing maintenance and repairs.  He began working for the Tennessee Department of Transportation soon after moving to Mt Juliet, and worked there until he began his own business, Jim’s Mobile Tech, which provided on-site vehicle repairs and maintenance. Jim  operated Mobile Tech for several years while also providing towing services for T-DOT, the Mt Juliet Police, and the Sheriff’s Department.

It was during this time that Jim began restoring cars from the 60’s and 70’s – his favorite era – and eventually he closed Jim’s Mobile Tech and opened Jim Bennett’s Hot Rod Garage.  He was known internationally for his detailed, precise work and will be missed within the classic car community.

Sellar’s Funeral Home of Mt Juliet, TN is handling arrangements.  There will be a funeral mass at St Stephen Catholic Community Church, Old Hickory, TN on Friday, May 27, 2022, at 12:00pm. Interment will be in Stonington, CT.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mt Juliet Ambulance Corps or the American Heart Association.