James Gordon Bennett (Jim) died peacefully on Jan. 10, 2015 in Bremerton at the age of 86, with his family at his side.

Jim was born on Nov. 5, 1928 in Palisades, New Jersey to James Gordon and Myra Elizabeth Bennett.

He graduated from Hope College, Holland, Michigan and the University of Washington in 1955 with a master’s degree in social work and later, an advanced degree in clinical hypnotherapy.

He married Louise, his college sweetheart in Nooksack in 1951. Jim and Louise lived in Bellingham, on Bainbridge and Whidbey islands, Mexico, Ski Tur Valley (Snoqualmie Pass) and finally, Shelton.

His career was spent as a self-employed marriage and family therapist, as well as sports performance coach, working with professional baseball, volleyball, golf and Iditarod athletes. He continued his professional development and quest for knowledge, and remained active in his profession until his death.

Jim loved the water, the mountains, gardening and singing; he was an avid power and sail boater, climbed Mount Rainier and spent many summers hiking the Olympic Mountains and Pacific Ocean beaches with family in tow.

He also spent countless hours repairing his snowmobile, chopping and stacking firewood and looking for the elusive mountain goat at his beloved Ski Tur Valley cabin.

Jim was a generous, witty and dedicated husband, father and friend who loved his family and profession. He was an active and dedicated member of Kiwanis and often volunteered in community protection activities as well as choral groups.

Jim was the author of several professional, historical and anecdotal books; his greatest accomplishment outside of his professional career was his 1998 book, “The Rohna Disaster, World War II’s Secret Tragedy,” written as a Chautauqua in search of the truth of his brother’s death and the establishment of the Rohna Survivors Memorial Association.

Jim’s character is best remembered by the words of his daughter Sarah, “your legacy will be the thousands of persons whose lives you touched and improved … family, friends, clients and social groups.” Jim is also remembered by eldest grandson Lautaro as, “scholar, romantic and fellow Manhattan connoisseur … an inspiration to me.”

Jim will be missed by many. A memorial celebration of Jim’s life is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church on Bainbridge Island. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Kiwanis, Shelton. The family would like to thank Harrison Medical Center staff for their compassionate care and respect during Jim’s last hours.

Jim is survived by his wife, Louise; children, Neil (Michele), Lissa (Jay), Julie (Marty), Dinah (John) and Sarah (Simon); 11 grandchildren; sister Barbara, of New Jersey; and five nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert.