Born in Cortland New York
John Malcolm Bennett was born in Cortland New York to Clinton and Jessie Bennett. When John was 4, Clinton passed away from a ranch accident, and John was then supported by his mother and older siblings. While older than John by many years he loved his sister Irma Keagle, and his brothers Earnest Bennett, Paul Bennett, and Charles Bennett. During their many years in Cortland, John and Charles would often work on the farm with Charles' wife Eva and the “girls” Shelley, Christine, Cynthia, and Brenda. This strong connection carried through the rest of John’s life and was capped when the girls all visited with John in his final year. Throughout his time in New York, he graduated from Cortland High School and received his degree in Hotel Management from Cortland College. He started his service in the US Army at this time and received an honorable discharge following 2 years of Active Duty and 6 years in the Reserves.
