James Rodney Bennett

James Rodney "Rod" Bennett of Lake Ridge, Virginia, passed away on Sept. 11, 2025, in Lake Ridge, Virginia and is now in God's care. He was born on Sept. 30, 1943, in Mayo, Florida to the late Willard Bennett and Martha Jean Osteen. Rod was a retired military officer and navigator in the United States Air Force with a Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Vietnam Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Humanitarian Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Rod enlisted in the United States Navy, then joined the Air Force as an officer. He served a combined career of 27 years. He was later a government contractor for the company Wintech. He loved spending time with family and friends. He took great pride in being in the military and being a part of the 7th SOS.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jo-Ann, his son, Jem, his daughter, Lesli, grandchildren, Jake, Christine, Sam, Alexandra, and Kylie; great-grandchildren, Alice, Aubrey, and Mikey; sisters Mary Jane, Glenda, and Lisa, brother, Connie-Mac; also surviving are nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas, and a sister, Elaine.

Services for Rod Bennett will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 10:00am at Sunset Hill Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors, www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home