James N. "Jim" Bonner's Obituary
James “Jim” Nelson Bonner, age 78, loving brother, husband, father, and grandfather, passed away Saturday, July 5, 2025. He was born in Findlay, Ohio, on August 16, 1946, to Francis and Arlene (Monasmith) Bonner.
Jim grew up in Manistique, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It was here that he gained a love for the outdoors, including fishing and hunting. He received his Bachelor of Science from Northern Michigan University in 1968 and married Carla Chartier in 1969. They moved to Grand Haven, and Jim began his 40-year-long career with the Grand Haven Public Schools, where he taught and became a principal. During that time, he went on to gain a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University. In 2000, Jim was the recipient of the "Excellence in Service Award” in recognition of his outstanding service to education. Wherever he went in the Grand Haven community, people greeted him with a warm “Hello Mr. Bonner,” often followed by a memorable story about being sent to his office—and usually ending with a heartfelt “Thank you.”
Jim also had a passion for the credit union movement and served for 50 years, starting in 1970 with the Ottawa County School Employee Credit Union. Jim held various board of director and committee roles that were key to serving the members of the credit union and expanding membership in Michigan through two future mergers, resulting in the formation of Lake Trust Credit Union, headquartered in Brighton, MI. Some of Jim’s closest and most enduring friendships were formed during the years he devoted to volunteering with the Lake Trust Board of Directors. Jim’s community and professional involvement also included the Wiggington Education Foundation, where he was Chair of the Board, the Ottawa County Juvenile Court Citizens Advisory Committee, the Grand Haven Kiwanis Club, and the United Way Allocations Committee.
Above all else, Jim treasured his family and friends. He and Carla raised their two daughters, Julie and Jamie, in the close-knit Grand Haven community near Pottawatomie Bayou. Whether it was afternoons tubing or waterskiing, casting lines on Lake Michigan, or daring to navigate the Grand River during the Coast Guard Festival, Jim was in his element—creating memories, laughter, and a legacy of adventure.
After Carla preceded Jim in death in 2004, Jim found the second love of his life and married Marilyn DeWaal in 2006. Their family blended to include Marilyn’s two sons, Joseph and David, and then grew to include six grandchildren that brought Jim an endless source of joy. Jim loved spending time with his grandchildren—teaching them how to fish, sharing his passion for boating and water sports, and entertaining them with his classic 'Grandpa' stories, jokes, and playful 'Yooper' songs. These experiences became cherished traditions for the whole family. He and Marilyn also shared many wonderful adventures together, with highlights including their travels to Parthenay, France, and memorable cruises through the Mediterranean.
Marilyn survives Jim along with two children: Julie (Brian) Heine of Coloma, MI and Jamie (Dr. Mohammed) Tamim of Boca Raton, Florida; two sons by marriage: Dr. Joseph (Dr. Sophie) Langenhan of Lake Forest Park, Washington and David (Jamie) Langenhan of Greenville, South Carolina; six grandchildren: Shaiden, Sami, Luna, Gabriel, Wilhelm, and Annabelle; sister, Surae (Doug) Spaulding of Escanaba, MI; and his faithful four-legged companion, Bella. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held for Jim on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100, with a Time of Sharing held at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lake Trust Foundation. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at https://www.sytsemafh.com
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