Jimmy Gale Bonner Sr., 85, of Carterville, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Parkway Manor Skilled Nursing Facility in Marion, surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Pastor Scott Bollman officiating. Burial will be in Willowrest Cemetery in Carterville. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at www.michaeljfox.org.
Jimmy was born on October 20, 1941, in Centralia, to Thelma (Patterson) and Ralph V. Bonner. He married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Scheriger, on January 28, 1961. Together, they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, family, and cherished memories.
He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Bonner; sons, Jimmy (Jana “EJ”) Bonner Jr. of Herrin, Rodney Bonner of Carterville, and Craig (Julie) Bonner of Anna; grandchildren, Kali (Alex) Ashby of Goreville, Nick (Marbia) Bonner of Carterville, Drew (Sarah) Bonner of Lynchburg, Virginia, Kelsie (Jason) Schauer of Paris, Texas, Benjamin Bonner of Schaumburg, and Kortnie Bonner of Shiloh; bonus grandchildren, Shaun (Sarah) Essick and Kyle (Halee) Essick of Herrin; 18 great-grandchildren and bonus great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Kathy Bonner of Dix, Illinois, and Patricia Bonner of Grand Island, Nebraska.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Ted Bonner and Ralph “Bob” Bonner.
Jimmy dedicated his entire working career to the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad, where he worked as a carman. He took great pride in his work until a serious accident led to his retirement in 1997.
An avid sports enthusiast and outdoorsman, Jimmy enjoyed hunting, fishing, and following his favorite sports. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The memories made together throughout the years will remain a lasting part of his legacy.
For more information, visit rigginpillatschburkefh.com.
