James Paul Bonham

James Paul Bonham

December 2, 1940 – May 18, 2018

Jim passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness. Born in Fremont, Nebraska to Josephine and Ross Bonham, Jim was raised in small towns across central Nebraska, graduating from Leigh High School. He went on to attend the University of Nebraska where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega. He earned his BS degree in 1963 before entering the United States Army for three years, including an extended service in Germany. Following his return to the United States, Jim earned his MBA from Columbia University in 1968. In 1969 he married Barbara Bye Mink in New York City, a happy union which lasted until Barbara’s death in October 1992. In 1994 Jim was introduced through a mutual friend to Ann Schenk Butterfield; they were married in September 1995. Jim was blessed with another joyful marriage until Ann’s death in November 2015.

Jim is survived by his sons, Jay (Meredith) Bonham of Mt. Vernon, OH; Kent (Jaime) Bonham of Washington, DC; grandchildren: Charlie, Emerson, Teddy, Finley and George; sister, Sharon Bonham Holyoke; and fiancée, Connie Dorman Heiden, whom he was to marry later this year.

After a brief stint at Chase Bank in New York City, Jim elected to return with his young family to his home state of Nebraska to continue his career at First National Bank of Omaha, from where he retired. After spending many years as a commercial banker, Jim made the most of retirement, exploring the world, first with Ann and later Connie. He was especially proud of having visited all 50 states and seven world continents. An avid tennis player, Jim enjoyed the company of friends at Happy Hollow Country Club. More recently, Jim spent time in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where he reveled in the beauty of the Grand Tetons and the Snake River and enjoyed an active lifestyle. Deeply loyal to his family, Jim remained singularly devoted to his children and grandchildren. He lived for them above all else.

Visitation: Tuesday, May 22nd, 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel. Service: Wednesday, May 23rd at 10:30 am at Presbyterian Church of the Cross, 1517 S 114 St. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the Omaha Community Foundation.

 

 

8 Comments

  • Nancy and Eric Huckaby Posted May 20, 2018 5:52 pm

    Sending love to the Bonham family. Our deepest condolences- Jim was a true gentleman.

  • Joanna Harper Posted May 21, 2018 10:17 am

    I consider myself lucky to have known Jim – a truly wonderful father & grandfather and an incredibly kind human being who will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.

  • Devall Family Posted May 21, 2018 2:48 pm

    Thank you for showing us how to love and enjoy this wonderful gift of life. Mr. Jim was one of a kind. Forever in our hearts…Love, Paige and Justin

  • Bob & Mary Alice Fitton Posted May 21, 2018 8:43 pm

    Our deepest condolences to the Bonham family. Jim was one of the nicest people we’ve ever met. May he Rest In Peace in the arms of the Lord.

  • Ensign/Murphy Family Posted May 22, 2018 7:38 am

    We’re so sorry for your loss. We wish we could have known him, but we certainly know he raised great children and that he was an important part of your lives. He has a wonderful legacy in you.
    Warmly, John, Marilee, Nick and Jack

  • Bob & Mary Alice Fitton Posted May 22, 2018 9:05 am

    A dear friend & neighbor in Jackson Hole…Jim was the epitome of a true gentleman. Our love and condolences go out to his family and to fiancé Connie Heiden. There is now a void in the hearts of the many lives he touched. Rest In Peace Jim.
    With Deepest Sympathy,
    Bob & Mary Alice Fitton

  • Anne Wattles Posted May 22, 2018 9:33 am

    My deepest sympathies.
    Sincerely, Annie Wattles (PCOC)

  • Clyde and Velma Lincoln Posted May 24, 2018 9:21 am

    Velma and I were so sorry to hear of Jim’s death. We met Jim on several occasions at Ted and Sharon’s home. We cannot be with you but are praying for all of your family at this time.

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