James Lee Bonner, age 87 of Sparta, Missouri, passed away April 10, 2024, in Cox South Hospital, Springfield, Missouri. Jim was born December 9, 1936 in Roach, Missouri the son of G.R. and Faye (Whitworth) Bonner.
Jim grew up in Macks Creek, Missouri graduating from Macks Creek High School in 1954, after graduation he worked for the Missouri Conservation. In 1960 Jim joined the Army. For basic training he was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood before serving in Germany until 1962. In 1962 while he was listening to a baseball game in his brand-new Chevy on the Ava Square, he met his future wife Doris Willis. On June 9, 1963, Jim was united in marriage to Doris Willis.
Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years Doris Bonner; one daughter Carla Bonner; grandson Dustin Bonner; two brothers Grant Bonner and wife Carolyn and Henry Bonner and wife Beverly; one sister Jane Crawford; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his father and mother-in-law Rev. Carl and Blanche Willis; brother Thomas Harmon Bonner; three brothers-in-law Dale Willis, Delbert Crawford and Kenneth Willis; four sisters-in-law Carlene Willis, Ruth Thompson, Charlotte Willis and Norma Bogart; niece Marcia Cullen and nephew Wesley Bonner.
A celebration of life will be held at the Whitworth Family Reunion in June. Arrangements under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.