Christmas Story

A story from my mom about her dad. She couldn't read it herself out loud because she was going to break down and cry. We had the Pastor read it to the people who attended and even my mom laughed during the reading (She's the red head that giggles and looks at the camera lol)

Obituary:
YAKIMA - James O. (Won Feather) Bonser, 79, passed away February 7, 2011 at his home in Yakima. Jim was born in Tulsa, OK on December 23, 1931, to John A. and Mary Lou (Cochran) Bonser.

At an early age Jim moved from Tulsa to Yakima, hitchhiking, with his mother and two oldest sisters. He grew up in Yakima attending local Catholic schools and shared in the arrivals of two more sisters. He was an enterprising young man, working his paper route and hunting pigeons which he sold to local businesses.

As a young man Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy and saw action in the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Ute. He was anchored in Sasepo, Japan and was a member of the ship's Underwater Demolition Team. Jim shared a harrowing moment with his family that, while diving to deactivate a mine, a school of whales approached. Jim curled up with the mine remaining motionless as the whales, seeming to sense him, just glided by.

Upon his completion of his tour Jim returned to Yakima and met Pearl E. Speth. They were wed on June 10, 1955 and began their family life. Jim and Pearl began Bonser's Sign Service in the late 50's. Jim trained in Shodokan Karate in Japan and later in Yakima, moonlighting to manage Yakima's first karate school, "Yakima School of Karate." He later owned and operated Dizzy's Tavern, until the passing of Pearl on 10-13-1990.

In the summer of 1995 Jim met Joyce Horn. Their friendship blossomed, sharing their lives until his passing.

Jim was athletic and enjoyed Martial Arts, Culinary Arts, Sign Language and the reciting of songs and stories. He made people around him better. Jim will be deeply missed. He is full of days.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents John A. and Mary Lou Bonser, his wife Pearl E. Bonser, his granddaughter Tonya S. Bonser, and three sisters: Fern McKie, Johnette Bonser and Jacqueline Harris.

Jim is survived by his wife, Joyce (Horn) Bonser, his four children, James A. (Nita) Beaudry, Penny C. Bonser, Chris J. (Stephanie) Bonser and James L. Bonser, stepdaughter Viola Harmon, his six grandchildren, Kellie Meek, Chris M. and Amanda M. Bonser, Crystal P. Yanez, Tina (Michael) Huffman and Bobbi Dawn (Tony) Bolte, sister, Juanita Robertson and nine great grandchildren.

Memorial services to be held at Christ Lutheran Church, corner of 56th and Lincoln, at 1:00 pm on Saturday February 12th.
(**Obit from Yakima Herald News Paper**)



Note:
(This video is for family and friends who couldn't make it to the memorial so please be respectful and others who know know him don't leave comments that are rude or anything please? thank you)

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