James was born on the 5th of April, 1851 in Haverstraw, New York and his original name was John. There is no mention as to why or when he changed his name to James but it is safe to say that it was around the time of joining the US Navy. It was his actions as a Chief Boatswain's Mate during the Spanish-American War that would earn him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the cutting of the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Bennett set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.

James Harvey Bennett died on the 22nd of November, 1900 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is buried in the Cold Spring Cemetery in Cold Spring, New York. His grave stone bears both James H Bennett and his original name, John B Quirk.