John Jack Bonman

John Robert Bonman, known as “Jack” to his friends and family, was born on September 26, 1925 to Al and Edith Bonman in Bonner’s Ferry, Idaho. After a short battle with pancreatic cancer, Jack passed away at home in his sleep, surrounded by family, on May 17th, 2012. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 21st at St. Mark’s Catholic Community, 7960 Northview St., followed by the burial at Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 Horseshoe Bend Rd, at 2 pm. Services are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home, Meridian. Jack graduated from Boise High in June, 1943 and attended one term at Montana State University. His plans to finish college were interrupted by World War II, during which Jack served in the 10th Armored Division of the United States 3rd Army. His unit participated in the “Iron Triangle” battle, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Trier and Rhineland campaigns. The 10th Armored Division was disbanded when the war in Europe ended in 1945, and Jack served in the artillery of the 83rd Infantry Division until March of 1946, when he returned to the United States. Jack received a Bronze Star for heroic achievement. During a 1949 visit to his friend Frank Cochran, Jack went on a blind date with Ann Perrotti. In his own words, he was “love stricken at first sight.” Jack and Ann were married on June 24th, 1950 in Los Angeles, California, and relocated to Boise, Idaho. They would have celebrated their 62nd anniversary this June. Jack and Ann loved to travel and had the opportunity to visit Thailand and the Philippines, in addition to extensive travel within the United States including a 60th anniversary cruise to Alaska. The two belonged to the St. Mark’s Catholic Community. They were also active members of the local YMCA and were regulars at their weekly water aerobics classes. Jack was a devoted and generous father and grandfather, avid reader, gifted pianist and singer, crossword puzzle aficionado, and a frequent contributor to the Idaho Statesman editorial section, among his many other talents. He was also renowned for his dry wit. His most beloved vocation was being a grandfather to his seven grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ann Bonman, as well as his four children: Mike (Lucy), Jeanne (Marty), Eric (Jan), and Mark. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Ted (Trina), Tricia, MacKenzie, Sara, Bryan, Chelsea, and Carly. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Mary Yvonne Bonman and Gay Rutledge. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends. The family requests no flowers, but suggests memorials may be made to St. Luke’s Hospice. Remembrances may be left for the family at www.AccentFuneral .com