Obituary of James Mark Bonacci
Trusted State Farm Agent, gentle Husband, and Father, avid outdoorsman
James Mark Bonacci, 77, of Whitehouse Station, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on December 13, 2024, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Jim was born on January 1, 1947, and was celebrated as the first baby of the New Year in Carbondale, PA, at 12:07 a.m. He loved having a built-in party every New Year’s Eve.
After graduating from Ben Franklin High School, where he played football, basketball, and baseball, Jim went on to Bloomsburg University, where he played football and baseball. Jim graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education.
It was at Bloomsburg that he met and fell in love with his wife, Nancy Nevitt, after a blind date. They were married on Valentine’s Day in 1970 and had 2 daughters, Janel & Janeen.
Jim and his family resided in Warren for 28 years, where he enjoyed taking care of his home and making Sunday Poppy Sauce. He was a member of both Our Lady of the Mount Church and St. Vincent de Paul Church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and a lector. He was a member of the Long Hill Township Jaycees and longtime president of the Long Hill Township Chamber of Commerce.
Jim, or as he was known to friends and family, Kez, Mr. B, Paco, Jimmy-Boy, Poppy, Mr. Jim, and Jim-Bo, continued to be active in team sports by coaching his daughters’ little league teams and was a sideline fixture at countless softball games, field hockey games, and swim meets.
Jim’s large Italian family was very important to him and provided so many happy memories. He took his friendships very seriously and was always willing to help anyone at any time.
Jim built a distinguished 35-year career as a State Farm Insurance agent in Gillette, NJ, known for his honesty and integrity. He embodied values instilled during his upbringing, carrying them through life. He epitomized the principles of family, hard work, and commitment. State Farm incentive trips gave him and his family the opportunity to travel the world together. He was a fixture in the community and could often be found enjoying a slice of pizza with the guys at Natale’s or working to organize Santa Day at the Community Center for less fortunate children. He initiated the Business Arts Committee at Watchung Hills Regional High School and enjoyed speaking to the Driver’s Ed Class students about the perils of drunk driving as part of their curriculum.
He was an avid hunter from the age of 11 and a member of the Pioneer Rangers Hunting & Fishing Club in Milford, PA, where he spent many years enjoying the outdoors with his uncles and cousins. He joined the Warren County Rod & Gun Club in Asbury and loved fly fishing on the Musconetcong River. Playing golf with the OG’s at Heron Glen Golf Club in Flemington was a joy for him in retirement, especially when he achieved the 2019 Gold Net Championship. Skiing with family from their winter home at Elk Mountain in PA filled many winters with happiness.
After leaving Warren in 2006, Jim & Nancy relocated to Whitehouse Station, where they easily transitioned to life in a 55+ community, making lasting friendships. It was in this community where he affectionately became known as “pool boy.”
Jim is survived by his wife Nancy (Nevitt) of 54 years, brother Michael (Lee) of Fredericksburg, VA, sister-in-law Kathy Nevitt (Bob Thomas) of Oak Park, IL, brother-in-law William Nevitt of N. Myrtle Beach, SC, daughters Janel Bonacci (Bob Baker) of Gladstone, NJ, Janeen McDonald (Michael) of Littleton, CO. Grandchildren Miles & Cadence McDonald and Rachael & Colin Baker and his godsons and nephews Michael & Tony Bonacci.
He was predeceased by his parents Michael & Mary (DeFazio) Bonacci, his mother and father in-law Elizabeth & William Nevitt, his faithful companion and hunting dog “Hidden Hollows Happy Fritz” and his loving “grand-puppy” Maggie.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the team of caregivers and nurses who provided thoughtful and loving care to Jim during his battle. Thank you to the Home Instead team of Nurse June, Suzette, Elaine, Amanda, Jennifer, Gladys, Stephanie, and Chris. Thank you to the Hunterdon Hospice care team of Dr. Ben, Nurse Vicki, and Maribel.
Donations in Jim’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association would be greatly appreciated by his family.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals at 752 Mountain Blvd. in Watchung, NJ. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Our Lady of the Mount Church in Warren, NJ. Interment will be private.
To send flowers, please use Flowers on the Ridge at (908) 766-6199.
