“Andrew “Jack” Bennett Jr. passed away peacefully at home on April 4, 2023, with his wife by his side. Jack was the epitome of a true Southern gentleman, putting the interest of others first and always showing the utmost respect and generosity to everyone. He is survived by his wife Mickey Kafka Bennett (Fruge); stepson Michael Fruge; granddaughter Olivia Fruge; sisters-in-law Edna Bennett (Robert†), Pamela Jacks, (James†), Sandra Phillips (Hollis), Lily McCarthy (Brian); and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He waspreceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Bennett, and stepson Scott Fruge.
Jack was born on 12/26/1931 in Wewoka, OK, later lived in Quitman, LA, attended high school in Jonesboro, LA and college at Louisiana Tech in Ruston, LA. Graduated from LSU Law School winning the Moot Court Competition. Provided 60 years of service to the legal profession and the Baton Rouge community as a public defender, corporate and personal injury attorney. Jack had a strong work ethic inherited from his father and was greatly influenced by his paternal grandmother whom he continued to cherish throughout his life.
In Jack’s long life he experienced countless adventures as an Army veteran (Korea); a high school, college, and Army football player; and an oil field/rig worker. He played tennis, raced cars, sailed, performed in little theatre, travelled, and loved to Cajun dance. Jack continued to travel, dance, frequently break out in joyful spontaneous singing and enjoyed going to Charlie’s Place. Sadly due to advanced Alzheimer’s his abilities and activities became grievously diminished.
He was lovingly cared for at home by Mickey and his health care providers, notably Willie Mikell, Alexander and Dell Wright, Patricia Batiste, Yvette Coleman (ABC Nursing Services), and Pinnacle Hospice Care. Mickey sincerely thanks them all for their assistance and also extends her profound gratitude to dear friends, in particular Bea Pellet and Andrea Normand.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 15th at Drusilla Place Catering, 3482 Drusilla Lane, Baton Rouge, LA. Invocation at 2 pm, followed by a reception until 4:30 pm.
Remember Jack by contributing to your charity of choice. “
3 comments
Wendell Lindsay
April 14, 2023 at 4:24 am
For a couple of years a half-century ago I practiced law with Jack. I learned so much from him and am grateful for our time together. He was very smart, I’d say brilliant. He was witty and we laughed a lot. He liked people. And there’s a quality I haven’t seen mentioned: He had the generosity to spend countless, unpaid hours helping friends and impecunious persons with their legal and sometimes other problems. One instance I remember in particular was his spending hundreds of hours representing a poor, highly vilified Black defendant when it was unpopular to do so simply because the man needed a lawyer. We need more folks like Jack.
T. Bell
April 12, 2023 at 4:53 pm
Sincere condolences to your family. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God provide the necessary peace and comfort to your family and friends during this difficult time. Please remember these words of encouragement from the Bible: “ Jesus plainly told her: “I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” —John 11:20-25 jw. org
The Bell Family
Dell and Alexander Wright
April 11, 2023 at 11:26 pm
Today we remember the kind gentle, loving soul. Jack fought a good fight
Jack have finished the Race. Jack, kept the Faith 2Tim 4:7 And Yes!! Jesus love me
For the Bible tell me so. Mickey we are praying that God give comfort you in every way.