Johnny James Bonkowski

He was preceded in death by his Wife Sharon Bonkowski. He is survived by his children, Tony and Natalie Bonkowski of Thrall TX, Barbara and T.J. Cortez of Bartlett TX, and Brenda and Eric Ramos of Bartlett TX; and his grandchildren, Haley, Jacob, Tyler, Elliana, Abigail, and Olivia.

A visitation will be held on Thursday October 16, 2014 from 6 pm to 8 pm at Goodnight Funeral Home with a Rosary at 7 pm. A funeral service will be held on Friday October 17, 2014 at 10:00 am at Goodnight Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Granger, TX.

Serving as pallbearers will be Paul Bonkowski Jr., James Skrhak, William Davidson Jr, Gene Fojtik, Bobby Walden, and William Davidson III.

Johnny began life on a farm in rural Lockart TX. His family made their way to Granger where they farmed until 1974 when Johnny moved to Bartlett to raise his own family. He worked as maintenance and support in the hospitality industry until 2000 and officially retired in 2001.

Johnny was never one to be idle. He had a never ending list of things that needed to be painted, trimmed, mowed, fixed, removed, hauled off, or salvaged. He enjoyed spending as much time as he could outside with his dogs or tinkering with little projects around his house in Bartlett. Whenever someone came to help, or was recruited to help with a project, he always had input on how things were done. He may not have known the right way to do a task, but he could always recognize when it was being done wrong.

His mind was kept sharp by keeping his hands busy. Gardening and cooking kept him able to stay independent for the remainder of his life. He found ways to stay occupied whether making homemade sauerkraut, repairing watches or teaching the grandkids how to play dominoes. His creativity and humor always made everyone enjoy the time they spent with him.

Above all, his love for his family was his first priority. As a man of few words, his love will forever be left in the heart of the people who had the privilege to know him. He will also be remembered by those closest to him by this quote only a few will understand "here, hold my drink".