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James Bonick, age 89, of Longville, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2011, at the Golden Living Center, in Walker, Minn.

He was born Feb. 6, 1922 in St. Paul, Minn. He grew up and attended school in Boy River.

In 1939, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in Walker, serving 18 months. In 1941, he joined the Navy in Seattle, Wash., spending four years in the Navy. He became a Motor Machinist First Class. He returned to the Minneapolis area where he worked as an auto mechanic at various Chrysler dealerships. In 1954, he went to work at Thermo King in Bloomington, Minn., as a quality control engineer. After 30 years of service he retired in 1983, to his home on Big Boy Lake. He remained there until 1999, when he sold and moved south of Longville.

He enjoyed watching and feeding birds and deer, dancing, golf, fishing and making things. He especially loved motorcycling. He and his wife took many wonderful trips touring on their Goldwing.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Darlene; two sons, Lee, of San Antonio, Texas, and Jason, of Spring Lake Park, Minn.; a grandson, Dillan, also of San Antonio; and his beloved dogs, Sadie and Leah.

Per his request there will be no services. Interment was at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, in Little Falls.

Kline Funeral Home of Pine River was in charge of arrangements.[[In-content Ad]]

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