Jeffrey Thomas Bennetts

Jeffrey Thomas Bennetts was born on May 5, 1954 in Ironwood, Michigan to Joan and Gabriel Bennetts. From a young age, he found his greatest joy in the outdoors, a passion that shaped his life. Jeff was a beloved brother to Glenn Bennetts and James (Jim) Bennetts. He is survived by his brothers, his life partner, Jan Storms, his children: Carrie Stachnik, Christopher Bennetts, Jeffrey (JJ) Bennetts, Benjaman Bennetts, and Kammeron Bennetts, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Michelle (Mickie) Hillier. Shortly after Jeff’s birth, his family moved from Ironwood to Manistique, Michigan where his brother Glenn was born. A few years later, they relocated to Marquette, Michigan welcoming his brother James. In 1966, the family settled in South Haven before finally making their home in Traverse City. Jeff was an outdoorsman in the truest sense. As a kid, he spent hours trapping beavers and muskrats on Keystone Pond, always drawn to the water. That never changed. Fishing was his passion, and he spent much of his free time trolling for salmon on East and West Grand Traverse Bay, often well past sunset with family and friends. Jeff wasn’t just out there for the catch - he loved the process, the patience, and the time spent with people who shared his love for the sport. His skills on the water were well-known, earning him titles at Traverse City’s Salmon Classic in the early 1990s. After graduating from St. Francis High School in 1972, Jeff built a career in facility maintenance, beginning at Traverse City Osteopathic Hospital before moving to Cherryland Mall. His strong work ethic and dedication to keeping facilities and teams running smoothly led him to United Technologies, where he served as a plant supervisor for over 22 years. While he took great pride in his work, his heart was always on the water. Charter fishing expeditions weren’t just a side gig - they were his way of sharing both the thrill of the catch and the serenity of the open water with others. Jeff passed away peacefully at home on February 22, 2025 in Traverse City, Michigan. His love for fishing, the outdoors, and good company will be remembered by all who knew him. A Celebration of Life for Jeff will be held in the spring. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Jeff’s family on his tribute page.

Jeffrey Thomas Bennetts

May 5, 1954 - February 22, 2025