James L. Bonar

James L. Bonar, 89 of Wellsburg, WV, passed away into the arms of his beloved Lord Jesus at Liza's Place – Valley Hospice in the early hours on Sunday, February 9, 2025.
Jim was born on September 14, 1935, in Ohio County, WV, the middle child of five to James W. Bonar and Virginia (Daugherty) Bonar.
Jim graduated from Wellsburg High School with the Class of 1953. During his senior year, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and upon graduation he served and worked mainly on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers before his honorable discharge in 1961.
James was a 1990 retiree of National Steel formerly Weirton Steel working in the office and computer division.
For many years he had been a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wellsburg where he served as Deacon, Elder, Youth Director, Church Treasurer, Choir Member and represented the Upper Ohio Valley at two National Presbyterian Conferences. Jim later became an active member of the Grove United Presbyterian Church in West Middletown, PA, and continued his desire to serve by becoming an Elder, Choir Member and for at least twenty-five years was the keeper of the outdoor church sign. He was selected by the Washington Presbytery to be a representative to the National Presbyterian Conference held in San Diego, CA.
Jim and his wife were very pleased to serve as officers of the Board of Directors of the Franklin Cemetery for many years. While James was President, he proposed a designed a Chapel for the cemetery where it could be utilized for indoor meetings and funeral services. He and his wife were very pleased that his dream became the wish of the Directors as well.
James enjoyed running the Elby's Distance Race twice, golfing with his team and accomplished many trophies for special shots. He especially was very proud of having made three holes-in-one. His bowling team was always happy to have Jim on the team as he helped them win many rounds and games to the benefit of all.
Jim and his family enjoyed many trips together and can claim to have traveled to nearly all of the fifty states. Having great pride in his Scottish Heritage, he and Mary Jean enjoyed a fine trip to Scotland together in 2002, and in his later days he could be found smiling and enjoy working on his property.
Jim served Wellsburg in younger years as an elected 3rd Ward City Councilman. He was a former member of the Wellsburg Moose Lodge. Jim was very active in the Wellsburg Elks Lodge at his passing, where he proudly served in all the offices and was a Past Exalted Ruler. He most fondly enjoyed being with the members helping to serve the weekly Fish dinners which he did for many years.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his young daughter, Diane Elizabeth in 1962 and a grown son, Russell William in 2022. Jim's sister, Laura Bonar Ray and his brother, Thomas Bonar have preceded him as well.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Jean (Waugh) of 68 years, daughters, Carol Jean Couch and husband, George, and Marianne Kathleen Cunningham and husband, Jeffery, seven grandchildren, Lauren Dooley, husband, Scott, Aaron Couch, wife, Marina, Kassidy Wells Mayernik, husband, Luke, Wendy Wells, and Michael, wife, Jessica, Christopher, wife, McKenzie, and Jonathan Bonar, to add to his great joy are also six great grandchildren, Madelyn, Hudson, Mackenzie, Emilio, Julian and Clarity Jean, also two sisters, Kathleen Wilkinson and Bonnie Cottrill, husband, Ralph and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will be received on Friday, February 14, 2025 from 1:00-3:00 PM and 5:00-7:00 PM with an Elks Service at 6:00 PM at Chambers Funeral Home, Wellsburg, WV (304)737-3551 and again on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 10:00 AM until time of Funeral Service at 11:00 AM at the Grove United Presbyterian Church, West Middletown, PA with Reverend Terry Lucarelli, officiating.
Interment will follow at Franklin Cemetery with a Service of Committal held in the Chapel of the Cemetery with Military Honors by the United States Coast Guard and the Ohio Valley Veterans Memorial Squad.
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