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James Bohner, best known as Jim, Jimmy or Bones, was a hardworking, caring and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Born in Fresno, CA on January 21, 1940, he went to be with the Lord on Monday, November 10, 2014, at the age of 74.
Jim graduated in 1957, from Clovis High School. At a young age, Jim took over the family business, Bohner Boat & Marine, which he continued to operate until his retirement. He created many strong and long lasting relationships while owning the company. After his retirement, he retained his passion with boats. Since his earliest years, he was involved in Pan Draggers, Fresno Street Rods, car owner and driver of race teams throughout the years, inducted into the Sprint Car Hall of Fame at Kings Speedway and attended numerous car shows. Jim had a passion for building racecars and hot rods. In his later years he enjoyed travelling, reading books, meeting new people, and spending time with his family and dogs. Jim had a strong commitment to Northwest Church in Fresno. He attended weekly bible study that helped strengthen his faith.
We know Jim is in heaven waiting for a buyer for his 2002 Smokercraft fishing boat.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Elizabeth Bohner; daughter, Elizabeth Christine; and first wife Jan.
He is survived by his wife Barbara; sister, Sharon Schutz and husband Denver; children, Kim Lacefield and husband Donnie, Jeff Bohner and wife Jennifer, Rick Hauff and wife Stefanie, and Bill Hauff; grandchildren, Jared, Ryan, Dusty, Trever, Samantha, Austin, and Maddy; great-grandchild Emmalyn; and his dogs, Lizzie and Katie.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Northwest Church in Fresno, CA on Tuesday, November 18, 2014, at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Northwest Church, 5415 N. West Ave Fresno, CA 93711; or Valley Animal Center, 3934 N. Hayston Fresno, CA 93726.
Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns and Blair Funeral Home, 1525 East Saginaw Way, Fresno, California (559)227-4048
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Kerry Coulter-Cetti
December 6, 2022
I missed hearing of his passing until this morning. Jim was a truly nice man and I always thought of him as a friend. Jim and I had boat businesses next to each other for many years but always remained friends. In a world with fewer and fewer good men....he was one of the best. Seth Thomas
Seth Thomas
December 11, 2014
Jim would always bring so much cheer when he came to the bank. He will be missed greatly.
Heather Marquez
December 10, 2014
Jim was my favorite customer at the bank. He was always so cheery and happy. I was so sad to hear the news. Such a great man
rayann vasquez
November 29, 2014
It was wonderful having Jim as a neighbor and friend up at Bass Lake. Jim was always so kind and helpful - just a really Genuine person. He and Barbara made such a great couple. Jim was smart, calm, and so great to talk to. He was always interested in everyone else and truly cared. Those up above are so happy, I am sure, to have him amongst them. He is one of the rare ones that made an impression on those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Karen Stonecipher
November 26, 2014
I went to High School with Jim at Clovis, Ca. I attended the service Tuesday.
What a joy to hear how Jim had accepted Jesus Christ into his life. It was wonderful to see the video of his testimony how Jesus changed his life.
Guy Langley Fresno Ca.
Guy Langley
November 22, 2014
A giant in my eyes, here's a link to something I wrote a few years ago, Denver Schutz read from it at Jim's service: http://www.hotrodcoalition.com/phill-laursen-looks-back-on-th/
Phill Laursen, Clovis High from '57 - '59, Gilroy High Class of '60
Phill Laursen
November 21, 2014
I will always remember how kind Jim and Jan were to our family. The time Burt drove for Jim gave me great memories because of them. Go with God Jim.
Sandy Costa Barnard
November 20, 2014
A Great Guy !
Dennis Trimble
November 20, 2014
Jim we will miss you it's impossible to forget the people we care about like you. I enjoyed talking every day at Starbucks with you.I miss talking about life family cars travel .i will always think of you when I see egg salad or just eggs !
Donald Genie Goodman
November 19, 2014
I was very thankful to be at the service on Tuesday. Jimmy was no less than a class act. I worked on his race car when Howard drove for him. We had a bunch of fun and most of all retained lifetime friendships. He will be missed and appreciated. I pass on my deepest sympathy's to the family and hope you all gain strength from the fact that his is in heaven with a smile on his face with no pain.
Jon Scadden
November 19, 2014
Jim sorry you had to leave us so soon but we know you are heaven bound and someday we all will be together again. Sorry to have to lose another classmate please tell the others hello until we meet again may you rest in Peace old friend.
Ward Hollesen
November 18, 2014
I met Jim going to Thursday morning bible study at Northwest. I would later run into him on Saturdays at Starbucks. I would be on the patio with my dog and he would stop and talk. He was about 35 years older but was able to connect like a brother- a brother in Christ. He was such a genuine person and I was deeply touched by the Memorial Service today.
Mark Tucker
November 18, 2014
I remember when I was a young girl he was a teenager and I thought he was the coolest guy ever. I hope the wonderful memories that you have of Jim will sustain you now and in the days to come.
Judy Deis Wilson
November 18, 2014
My wife and I met Jim last year at the cancer treatment center. He was so full of life, a magnetic person. He came over and sat with us, we talked about the Lord and Jim was such an encouragement. The friendship continued from that day, and it will be greatly missed. Brother Jim, you represented Jesus very well to us, and for that we are greatful. I'm sure you have heard those words from our Savior... "Well done, good and faithful servant!" We will continue our friendship again someday Brother Jim.
With gratitude to the Lord for the short time that we knew you,
John and Kelli B. Fresno, Ca.
November 17, 2014
Jim, Nobody could make an outboard motor sound like a sewing machine the way you could. You will be missed and thought of everytime we drive by the shop on the way to Bass Lake.
Dennis Padgett
Oakhurst, Calif
Dennis Padgett
November 17, 2014
So sorry for your loss of a wonderful father, husband and friend. He will be dearly missed!
Terry Easley
November 17, 2014
Another hot rodder gone to soon. RIP Jim.
Jerry Ferreira
November 17, 2014
Rest in Peace Jimmy. I'm sure Jan and mom are happy to be reunited again.
November 16, 2014
we will miss you cuz ..what great times we had at the races and shop ...... " steinhouse "
mike steinhauer
November 15, 2014
Will miss you, Lizzie and Katie at the park. You fought a galant fight. Rest in Peace dear man.
November 15, 2014
Rest in peace Jim, you fought a good fight. I will always remember your humor, generosity, and how much you loved Barbara. A love for the ages.
Donna Faria
November 15, 2014
RIP my friend.
eddie and patty costa
November 15, 2014
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Chapel
November 15, 2014
You always had great cars beautiful numbers made it a joy to score
Eddie Ritchey
November 14, 2014
One of my favorite times growing up spending time at Bohner Boats & Suzuki during the Summer. Jim, Jan and Kim welcomed me into their home many times. I just Wish I could have been around to see my dad Burt wheel Jim's immaculate Hardtop. Rest in Peace my dear friend. You will be sorely missed. Billy Foland
Billy Foland
November 13, 2014
Jim, I always remember you had some of the most beautiful & fastest racecars. You are a memory to not be forgotten. RIP, Jim Bohner.
Rich Bessom
November 13, 2014
Truly a class act. You will be missed by many.
Dick Woodland
November 13, 2014
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Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720
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