On January 26, 2016, James Wetzel Bennett of Sissonville, WV passed away at St. Francis Hospital after suffering a severe stroke. He was 84. Extraordinary, compassionate and loving care was provided by the hospital staff and he was continually attended by his family.
Wetzel was born in Claremont, WV and was raised in Fayette County, living in Thurmond and Summerlee. He joined the Army after high school and served in the 5th RCT during the Korean War. Returning home he went to work in the coal mines but after marrying he moved to Charleston, WV and became an accountant. This led to his job at Central Distributing Company where he retired. He was a member of the Teamsters Local 175.
Wetzel lived a full and independent life until his death. He loved spending time with his family and many friends and neighbors. He enjoyed his time with the local Korean War Veterans Association and was honored to be able to participate in a Veterans Honor Flight to Washington, DC in 2015. He participated in many senior activities with the Hansford Senior Center in St. Albans. Wetzel was always ready for an adventure and loved to travel but he also loved solitude, spending time listening to music and reading. He was a voracious reader.
Wetzel was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Norma Prather Bennett and his parents Basil and Dimmie Bennett. Also his brothers, Leo, Paul, Andrew, and Freddie and sisters, Klyde Merrill, Betty Denton and Violet Bennett.
He is survived by his daughters, Libby (Ronnie) Boggess of Sissonville, Karen (Mark) Chadwick of DeWitt, MI and Robin (Rick) Painter of Riverview, FL. His granddaughters Becky (Tony) Bradley of Sissonville, Megan (Ben) Thompson of Huntington, Rachel (John) Marshall of Geneva, FL and Jessica Chadwick (fianc Michael Jessup) of Charlotte, MI. Also, his great-grandchildren Katie and Abby Bradley, Caleb Marshall, and Luke Thompson. He finally got some boys! He was also blessed with wonderful nieces and nephews and many friends and neighbors who made his life very full and enjoyable.
For keeping in his generosity, the Human Gift Registry at WVU was the recipient of Wetzel''s final gift as he has donated his body. Arrangements have been made for his final remains to be interred at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery.
A memorial service to celebrate Wetzel''s life will be held January 31, 2016 at Long and Fisher Funeral Home in Sissonville at 3:00pm, officiated by Reverend Al Mendez. Family will welcome friends 2 hours prior to the service.

Military Honors will be provided by American Legion Post 61.