The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

James D. Bonsall, 84, of Bridge City, passed away Monday, Nov. 23, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born Feb. 28, 1931 in Port Arthur, to George Dewey Bonsall and Pansy Rogers Bonsall. He was a lifelong area resident and retired as a lab technician from Chevron Chemical in Orange, with over 30 years of service. James was a U.S. Air Force veteran and proudly served during the Korean Conflict. He was member of Bridge City American Legion.

"Jimmy" was a legendary athlete both in high school and college. During his high school years at Thomas Jefferson he was awarded with Outstanding Performer For The 1948 Conference AA State Semi Finalists in football, 1st Team All-District Guard For The 1949 Conference AA State Semi Finalists and 2nd Team AllState in basketball, 1st Team All District 11-AA First Baseman in baseball and District Champion and Record Setting Pole Vaulter and District Champ Broad Jump 1949 in track. He attended Stephen F. Austin State University and received the football award for Record Setting Pass Receiver for the Lumberjacks.

James was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Dorothy Rose Ballard.

Survivors include his loving wife and friend for 35 years, Lynda Maclin Bonsall of Bridge City; daughter, Cynthia M. Bonsall of Boone, NC; son, James David Bonsall and his wife Amy of The Woodlands and two grandchildren, Allison and Tyler Bonsall.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 28, at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves. Burial with Military Honors followed at Greenlawn Memorial Park.