James Anthony Bonella

James Anthony Bonella February 1, 1937 – September 14, 2012 James Anthony Bonella was born to Clara and John Bonella in Grand Junction, Colorado on February 1, 1937. Jim has been a local guy all his life. He attended St. Joseph's Catholic School, and graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1955. Jim attended Mesa Junior College, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Business. He and Marlene Morris were married in 1959. They have two daughters, Lynda Schneider of El Cajon, California, and Cheryl Smith of Ridgway, Colorado. Jim worked for Arden Meadow Gold Dairies before beginning his career in banking with Home Loan and Investment Company. He was executive vice-president and treasurer of the Home Loan Investment Company and President of Home Loan Industrial Bank. Jim also served on many boards throughout the state for many years. Sports and JUCO were Jim's interests. He umpired some of the first JUCO games. The then sponsored many Texas teams through the Optimist Club who came to Grand Junction for the JUCO World Series. Jim made many trips to Texas to meet with the coaches and players to inform them what to expect when they arrived in Grand Junction. Through his travels, and his sponsorship, he made many lasting friendships with the coaches and players Many players that Jim came in contact with went on to play professional baseball. Jim was a wonderful husband and father. He supported his daughters in whatever their interests were. His two grandchildren, Cole and Skylar were the apples of his eye. He loved those two more than he could ever show. Jim and Marlene have been snowbirds to Arizona for the last twelve years. He loved golfing with his buddies from all over the country. He also loved being a member at Bookcliff Country Club here in Grand Junction and winning the Cliffhanger several times with his close friend, Foster Daniels. Jim was "not" a sandbagger ! Unfortunately Jim suffered from Alzheimer's and was a resident at Canyon Valley Memory Care Residence in Arizona at the time of his passing. A celebration of Jim's life will be held on October 27, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary. Pastor Doug Sikes will officiate and Jim will be laid to rest next to his parents. Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marlene; daughters, Lynda (Dave) Schneider of El Cajon, CA; Cheryl (Casey) Smith of Ridgway, CO; grandchildren, Cole and Skylar of Ridgway, CO; brother, John (Wilma) Bonella of Grand Junction; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family is requesting no flowers or plants. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jim Bonella JUCO Scholarship fund in care of Grand Junction Baseball Committee, Inc., which operates the JUCO World Series, PO Box 2535, Grand Junction, Colorado 81502. A scholarship fund has been formed in Jim's name for a graduating high school senior. The recipient will be presented during the JUCO World Series.