John Maxwell Bennis, president of multi-line agency Sequel Inc. in Virginia Beach, VA, has passed away. He was 71.

Born in Lincoln, IL, Bennis attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was a member of the varsity football and wrestling teams and earned a degree in business. He founded Sequel Inc. more than 40 years ago and was a lifelong Chicago Bears fan.

He is survived by Gina Bennis, his wife of 39 years; daughter Dana Bennis; brother Charles Bennis (Helen); nephew Daniel Bennis (Katie); father-in-law Joseph Marchione; brothers-in-law Joseph, Dean, Tony and Salvatore; and sisters-in-law Maria and Sandra. He is predeceased by his son Max Bennis; parents Jeanne Hott Gallagher and Charles Bennis; nephew Alex Bennis; brothers-in-law Frank and Joe Marchione; and mother-in-law Dorothy Marchione.

“John was a devoted husband and a very proud father,” said the family in a statement. “He lived to serve others and was eager to help anyone in need ... [His] family went far beyond his blood line, leaving him deeply missed by all those who knew him. John was known for his positivity, bubbly personality and huge heart. He had an affinity for storytelling and bringing a smile with a good joke. He was committed to his walk with Christ, and let his life reflect his relationship with God.”

Bennis is remembered fondly by his peers in the promotional products industry. “[Over] 25 years ago, John Bennis took a relatively young rep, new to this business, under his wing,” wrote sales rep Roger Sicotte on Facebook upon the news. “From that moment on, I had a mentor and always someone I could call for a laugh or some crazy new idea. Our lives have been intertwined since. My heart goes out to Gina and Dana, but I am warmed by the thought of how happy John will be to once again be with Max. … My eyes are full of tears and my heart is broken.”

A celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Max Bennis Scholarship Foundation through the Hampton Roads Community Foundation at 101 Main St., Suite 4500, Norfolk, VA 23510.