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James Bonnema Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Bonnema
Mark Beisecker
December 16, 2007
It has taken me one year to reach the right frame of mind to write about my memories of Jim. I first met Jim at Gillette. He had been hired to work on hand held appliances and we were all excited about having someone with a background relate to our development focus. He didn’t disappoint us. Jim had an immediate impact on our entire organization’s productivity. Eventually Jim and I were assigned to the top priority project in the lab. We ended up in Germany over multiple trips spanning a year and a half. At one point we both spent two weeks in Germany prior to Christmas and I remember visiting a number to small towns looking for Christmas gifts. If I was going to spend time away from my wife before Christmas, I can’t think of anyone who I would rather have been with than Jim. We became close friends. Our wives became close friends as well. We spent weekends camping in Vermont. We spent weekends fishing on Cape Cod. I remember one trip to Wellfleet. It was late in the day on the breakwater on Indian Neck. I had just cast my line and when retrieving got a strike from a large bluefish. Missing it, Jim cast his line out and immediately hooked a fish. After an epic battle we landed the fish and it was a whooper. It was dark by now and walking off the breakwater was a bit of a trick. Janet and my wife Sue were with us and couldn’t believe the size of the fish. After a quick conference we decided to go home, it was Sunday night, and we would get together on Monday for bluefish dinner. It was delicious. I have dozens of other memories of time spent with Jim and Janet. Dinners at their condo in Peabody. Dinners at our condo in Brookline. Overnights fishing on Plum Island. I will spare everyone the details but needless to say they were all just as enjoyable. Jim was a fun person to be with. He always was up for anything and brought enthusiasm to any endeavor. After I left Gillette we stayed close for awhile. But, as time went on we drifted apart. I don’t have many regrets in my life. However, allowing my friendship with Jim to lapse is one of them. I thought of him and Janet frequently and wondered how they were doing. I wish I had picked up the phone and asked directly how they were doing.
Janet, I don’t know how to express my sadness at Jim’s passing. If I could I would turn the clock back to that time when we were together enjoying the simple things in life. Sue and I want you to know that we miss those times we spent together and will always hold the memories of time spent together close to our hearts. We will miss Jim.
james maloney
December 29, 2006
Janet We would like to express our deepest condolence to you at this sad time in your life.We cannot put our feelings into words at this time.Our thoughts and prayers are for you now and the days and weeks ahead. if you need us please call on us any time.
Ken Cook
December 29, 2006
Jim and I shared a history in the Northeast Radio Control Model Club. We always had great fun and learned alot from our flying and building experiences. He will be sadly missed and my heart goes out to his family and friends.
Ruth Anne Fuller
December 28, 2006
Janet,
Words cannot express what my heart is feeling for you. Please know that I am praying for you continually. I will be in touch.
Donna and Fred Nelson
December 28, 2006
Janet,
Fred and I would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Donna and Fred
Sue Dougherty
December 28, 2006
Janet, It was so upsetting to hear of you and your family and friends' loss. My heart goes out to you. Madelyn told me the news last evening.
Sue
George Denault
December 28, 2006
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
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