James W. Bonner

James W. Bonner, 62, of Valdosta passed away Saturday, April 1, 2017 at his beloved farm. He was born on May 14, 1954 in Valdosta, son of the late Jefferson McKay Bonner and Clarice Sims Bonner Yates. James graduated from Valdosta High School where he was involved with the Valdosta High Marchin Cats. After high school, James began career with Norfolk Southern Railway, before becoming a self-employed contractor. James was a loving husband, father, son, brother and great friend to all. James never met a stranger and was loved by a multitude of people. He always had a smile, joke and story to tell. He was a great fisherman and loved the water. James spent many years on ballfields with his sons, cheering them on. He was a master of the grill and so enjoyed feeding family and friends by a South Georgia bonfire, listening to good old rock-n-roll and lies. James loved to hunt on his farm, and began taking his boys as soon as they walked.
Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Kathy Cooper Bonner; two sons, James Blake Bonner of Kennesaw and Benjamin Dodd Bonner of Valdosta; his granddaughter, Emmerson Payte Bonner; his sister and brother in law, Montyne and David Fouts of Valdosta; his brother and sister in law, John B., Sr. and Crisha Bonner of LaGrange; sisters in law and brothers in law, Debbie Cooper Poe and Ray Poe, Lisa Cooper Lee all of Valdosta, Chuck and Jennifer Cooper of Leesburg and beloved numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Truman Dodd (Tim) Yates, parents in law, Betty Ellenberg Cooper, James Charles Cooper, Sr., brother in law, Robert H. Lee.
Funeral services will be held at 4pm, Thursday, April 6, 2017 in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home with Rev. David Paulk officiating. Burial will follow in Providence United Methodist Church Cemetery in Quitman. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 2-4pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta, 215 W. North St., Valdosta, GA 31601. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602