Jim Bonner

James Adrian "Jim" Bonner, 86, of Wilson, died Monday, December 22, 2026.

A service was held for his family Wednesday, December 31, at Maplewood Cemetery, Wilson.

A native of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, Jim was a gifted athlete from an early age. He excelled in Basketball, Football, and Baseball, proudly lettering in all three sports. His love of athletics stayed with him throughout his life, especially in his unwavering devotion to the Michigan Wolverines. “Go Michigan!” was a familiar cheer to all who knew him.

Jim attended Grove City College in Pennsylvania, where he studied engineering before answering the call to serve his country. As a Naval Corpsman, he spent six years stationed aboard the USS Yellowstone in Mayport, Florida, a period of service he carried with quiet pride.

Following his military service, Jim built an esteemed 30‑year career with Bechtel Power Corporation as a Mechanical Engineer. Specializing in coal and fossil‑fuel power, he played a strategic role in the construction of power plants around the world. He loved his work deeply and valued the many friendships he formed throughout his career.

Above all else, Jim’s greatest devotion was to his family. He was a loving husband to his wife, Judy, with whom he shared 63 years of partnership and unwavering companionship. He was the proud father of Becky and Brian, and nothing brought him more joy than time spent together as a family. Their togetherness was his greatest happiness.

He is survived by his wife Judy Lamneck Bonner; daughter, Becky vanBree of Wilson; son, Brian Bonner (Kathy) of Lexington, SC; grandchildren, Emma Ballenger (Clancy) of New Bern, Greta Pittman (Tas) of Wilson, and Abigail Bonner of Boston, MA.; step-grandchildren, Morgan Gavin of Denver, CO, Marian Gavin of New York, NY, and Penny Gavin of Lexington, SC.

Jim will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Contributions can be made to The American Heart Association, www.heart.org

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com