James' Obituary
James Whitson Bonner passed away August 20, 2016 at home after a courageous battle with cancer. By his side was his wife of 5 yrs. Mary Frances and granddaughter Sandy Harris. He was born on November 25, 1929 to Roy Whitson and Thelma Bonner in Ashland, Alabama. He attended Clay County High School. After graduation he attended Auburn University in 1952 where he was a member of the ROTC. After graduating at Auburn, he joined the US Army. While stationed at Fort Still Oklahoma, he and a few buddies went cruising for girls at a nearby Woman's College, where he met and courted a cute young lady named Wilma Deloris Motley and was married in 3 months time January 1953 before leaving for Korea.
After leaving the Army James and Wilma traveled to Dallas to visit relatives. He and Wilma decided to settle in Dallas where he was employed by Dallas Power and Light for thirty eight years. They moved to DeSoto, TX and raised two girls and two boys. After retirement they moved to East Texas near Troup, Texas. They enjoyed their home on eleven acres where James enjoyed farming until Wilma became ill. She passed away in March of 2003 after 50 years of marriage.
James was a widower for nine years when he met a widow also of nine years Mary Frances Morea. Again he married in three months. James and Mary Frances moved to the Dallas area, Red Oak, Texas the next year to be close to their blended families.
James is preceded in death by his Grandparents, parents Roy and Thelma Bonner, his first wife Wilma Bonner and his two step sons Douglas Ray and Larry DeWayne.
He is survived by his wife, nurse, and caregiver Mary Frances his four children Karen D. Bonner, Jeffrey Bonner & wife Dianne, Elizabeth Bonner, Jay Patrick Bonner & wife Sheri, and step son Michael L. Scruggs (Judy) daughters-in-law Winnie Scruggs and Cindy McRimmon. six grandchildren, Amanda, Ashley, Justin, Mitzi, Molly, and Jay plus four step grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, brother, Jerry Bonner & wife Ramona, nephew Paul Bonner & wife Angela of Alabama, and one niece, Jennifer from Tennessee. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of DeSoto, TX. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to First United Methodist Church of DeSoto, Family First Hospice Ennis, TX, and or any Cancer Society.
A Memorial service will be held Saturday, August 27, 2016 11 AM. at United Methodist Church of Desoto, TX 75115. Interment and graveside service will be in Ashland Alabama.
