Jimmie Errol Bonner

Jim grew up with his five brothers and sisters, graduating from Meridian high school and then The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS where he met the love of his life, Patsy Tynes. He served as a photographer in the United States Air Force Reserve from 1960-1966. He was stationed in Meridian, and flew back and forth to Seattle while on active duty.

He is survived by his sisters Cynthia Jo Bonner (Virgil McCullough) and Jaqueline Bonner Williams; his children Elizabeth Bonner Casey (Tommy) and James Errol Bonner, Jr (Molly); and grandchildren Isabelle Breedlove Bonner and Tynes William Bonner and Caroline Whittington Casey. He is preceded in death by his parents Albert Sidney Bonner and Ora Whittington Bonner; his beloved wife of 53 years, Patricia Tynes Bonner; brother Albert Sidney Bonner, Jr. (Peggy); sister Maurice Bonner Robbins and sister Bonnie Bonner Morse.

A noted watercolor artist and graphic designer by trade, his design skills have left him with many memorable paintings and design awards. Some of his more recognizable designs are the Barq’s Root Beer soft drink cans and the original New Orleans Jazz NBA Basketball Team logo. His many honors in design include The New Orleans Art Directors Club, Ad Club of New Orleans, New York Creativity Show, International Typographers Association, Creative Printers of America, The ANDY Awards and most notably he was recognized by Communication Arts (CA), the most prestigious Advertising, Graphic Design, Photography and Illustration Periodical in the world.

Jim is a past board member and President of the New Orleans Art Directors Club, a charter member of The New Orleans Watercolor Society, a one-time associate member of the American Watercolor Society, The Ocean Springs Art Association and past member of the Executive Committee of The Louisiana Wildfowl Carvers and Collectors Guild. He entered the Federal Duck Stamp competition for over 20 years. His work has been exhibited at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum in Biloxi, MS.

He and his wife Patsy owned and operated The Bonner Collection in New Orleans as well as Pass Christian and Bay St. Louis, MS where they spent most of their time together with family and friends. Jim’s favorite pastime was playing golf with his friends in Pass Christian and New Orleans. He also enjoyed fishing along the coastal waters of Mississippi and Louisiana. Saltwater fish, birds, wildlife, nature, and gulf coast culture strongly influenced his art. He leaves behind an enormous body of work that connects us to the things we love so dearly in this part of the world.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. (in Metairie Cemetery) on Friday, March 9, 2018. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM and the service will follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will be private. A gift of flowers to Lake Lawn Metairie or donations to either Holy Family Church, 22342 Evangeline Rd, Pass Christian, MS 39571 or to the Fisher Center For Alzheimer’s Research Foundation at www.ALZinfo.org are greatly appreciated by the family.