On September 25, 2025, Donald "Jim" James Bonnette passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 80.

Born in McMinnville, OR to parents Donald and Moretta Bonnette. After high school, Jim joined the Marine Corps in 1963 where he served as a Drill Instructor for three years and did two tours of duty in Vietnam. For his service, he received multiple commendations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and Good Conduct Medal. After his honorable discharge in 1972, he returned to the States where he met and married Geraldine "Jeri" Fay Bonnette in 1976. They moved to Minnesota in the early 1980's and made their way to Angora, where they raised their two sons, John and James, and remained there until he passed. He was always so happy to spend time with his grandchildren, great-granddaughter, and family friends.

Jim was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and the West Coast Drill Instructions Association.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Carol; and brother Dave.

Jim is survived by his wife Jeri; sons: John (Heather Halvorson), and James (Katie); grandchildren: Mackenzi (Anthony Chiles), Brady, Elizabeth, and Benjamin; great-granddaughter Emma; brothers: Rick (Irene), and Steve (Hillary); and sister Linda (Lee); and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A Celebration of Life with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 am at Mlaker Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior. Lunch and fellowship will follow at the VFW, Cook, MN immediately after the service. Interment will be delayed until July of 2026 at Alango Cemetery.