Like the planes he flew high in the sky, Tommy gained his angel wings and ascended into Heaven on May 28, 2023. Tommy had a zest for life that was easily seen by all around him. He always had a kind word for everyone and a story or two to share.
He was a 1960 graduate of Whitehaven High School. He served six years in the Army National Guard as a Radio Communication Equipment Repairman. In the 1980s, Tommy opened his own Avionics business in Desoto County, MS at the Olive Branch airport (OLV). His impact was beyond region wide and it was there at OLV that he made his impression and influence on the Aviation Community. On his 80th birthday in 2022 he was recognized by the mayor of Olive Branch and the Board of Alderman for his many years of service and support to the Olive Branch community. He also received the Charles Taylor award in 2017 from the FAA for 50 years of experience and service in the Aviation Maintenance Industry. He loved to write and wrote numerous articles for Beam magazine, otherwise known as the “Quiet Birdmen”. Since 2013, he was a dedicated member of Whitehaven Gourmet club. It was established in 1966 by a group of Sportsmen who loved to hunt and fish and enjoy the fruits of their labor once a month. Tommy’s faith was strong, and he and Judy were members at Hernando United Methodist Church in Hernando, MS. His hobbies were many, and they ranged from flying planes, grilling, fly fishing, gardening, photography and pheasant hunting with his best friend “Bitzi”.
He was preceded in death by his parents Robert Merritt Bondurant and Marguerite Elizabeth Stroud Bondurant and brothers Robert Bondurant and William Bondurant.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Bondurant, son Christopher Thomas Bondurant (Alisha), daughter Kecia Bondurant Young (David), daughters by marriage Tina Hendricks (David), Tammy Fincher (Tony), grandchildren Peyton Thomas Bondurant, Bailey Nicole Bondurant, Megan Ana Helminski, Presley Christen Bondurant, Michael Nathan Helminski, Jake Ellis Helminski, grandchildren by marriage Danielle Gossett (Kurt), Kendall Bridges (Mitchell), Cody Willoughby, great grandchildren by marriage Breanna Gossett, Lily Willoughby, Miles Gossett, Amelia Bridges and brother Richard Bondurant (Judy).
Flowers are appreciated or memorials can be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital or The Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Tennessee, Chattanooga Office.
A visitation for James will be held Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Brantley Funeral Home, 6875 Cockrum Street, Olive Branch, Mississippi. A funeral service will occur Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM, 6875 Cockrum Street, Olive Branch, Mississippi. A committal service will occur Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 3:15 PM at Memorial Park Southwoods, 5485 Hacks Cross Road, Memphis, Tennessee.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brantleyfuneral.com for the Bondurant family.
