JAMES BONAR

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. He served proudly in the United States Coast Guard and retired in 1990 from National Steel in the office and computer divisions.

James was a former 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. He was an active member of the Grove United Presbyterian Church in West Middletown, PA. serving as 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 officers of the Board of Directors of the Franklin Cemetery for many years. While James was President, he designed a Chapel for the cemetery where it could be utilized for indoor meetings and funeral services became the wish of the Directors as well.

Many will remember James for running the Elby’s Distance Race twice, golfing with his team and having many trophies and three holes-in-one and bowling with his team. James served Wellsburg in younger years as an elected 3rd Ward City Councilman, formerly member of the Wellsburg Moose Lodge, and a member of the Wellsburg Elks Lodge 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.

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 enjoyed a trip with his wife to Scotland in 2002.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his two children, Diane Elizabeth in 1962 and Russell William in 2022 and two siblings, Laura Bonar Ray and Thomas Bonar.

Surviving are his wife, Mary Jean (Waugh) of 68 years, two daughters, Carol Jean Couch, husband, George, and Marianne Kathleen Cunningham, 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, six great grandchildren, Madelyn, Hudson, Mackenzie, Emilio, Julian and Clarity Jean, two sisters, Kathleen Wilkinson and Bonnie Cottrill, husband, Ralph and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation held on Friday from 1-3 and 5-7 PM at Chambers Funeral Home, Wellsburg, WV (304)737-3551 and again on Saturday from 10 AM till Service at 11 AM at the Grove United Presbyterian Church, West Middletown, PA with Reverend Terry Lucarelli, officiating.

Interment will follow at Franklin Cemetery with Military Honors.

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