James William Bonnema, Sr.

Jim was born on January 28, 1951, to Donald and Louise (nee German) Bonnema in Knox, IN. After high school, Jim worked for Roseland Buick in Roseland, IL. Jim went on to get his CDL and started driving trucks.

An entrepreneur for his entire life, Jim started Precision Towing & Snowplowing in Crown Point, IN, before moving to Florida. In Florida, Jim opened his own business, Jay-Bar, Inc. in Largo, FL and worked there until he retired. (Jay-Bar is still managed by his son, Jeffery.) Once back in Indiana, Jim started working with Lakes of the Four Seasons boat patrol, as well as Ducky’s Landing Marine in Hobart, IN, where he became a mentor to many.

Jim swore he would never leave Florida until he met his future wife, Francine, while she was visiting Florida. Jim and Francine Boveri were married June 12, 2015. Francine convinced Jim to move back to NW Indiana, specifically, Lakes of the Four Seasons. Jim had come full circle and his life was complete.

Jim is survived by his sons, James W. (Dawnn) Bonnema, Jr. and Jeffrey H. (Kristi) Bonnema; stepchildren, Brandon Pranger and Lauren Tucker; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews. He will be especially missed by his “Favorite Sister” Beverly (Bud Ream) Bonnema.

Jim was an avid boater, motorcycle rider, and loved to celebrate life. One passion that never left Jim was the need for speed. Jim never felt more alive than he did when he was behind the wheel of his late model race car that he raced at Sunshine Speedway in Clearwater, Florida. A picture of Jim still hangs in Jim’s favorite restaurant, O’Keefe’s in Clearwater, FL.

Jim was always well known for his kind and giving heart. He was the biggest supporter when Francine started fostering and rescuing cats in their home. This eventually grew into the rescue they named “Whiskers of Winfield.” Over the years, at least several hundred cats and kittens were rescued and adopted to new forever homes. Jim was part of the magic that helped develop good temperaments in all the cats that moved through their home.

Preceded in death are Jim’s parents, Donald and Louise Bonnema.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Whiskers of Winfield.

There will not be funeral services. A Celebration of Life gathering will be announced at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.KuiperFH.com for the Bonnema family.