James F. Bonnell, 86, of Champaign, formerly of Sidney, passed away at 7:40 a.m. Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at the Champaign County Nursing Home, Urbana.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Freese Funeral Home, 202 W. Main, Sidney, is assisting with arrangements.
Mr. Bonnell was born Feb. 3, 1926, at Sidney Township, a son to Clarence and Ethel Conseur Bonnell. He married Jean Clark on Aug. 16, 1946, in Champaign; she survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Alice Butler of Gilbert, Ariz.; granddaughter, Andrea Butler of Mesa, Ariz.; and four brothers, Don Bonnell of Lake Worth, Fla., Dean (Bonita) Bonnell of Tolono, Jack (Barbara) Bonnell of Sidney and Wayne Bonnell of Savoy. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jean Lafenhagen; two brothers, Clarence Bonnell Jr. and William Bonnell; and son-in-law, John Butler.
He served in the United States Navy during World War II. He retired from the University of Illinois Illini Union in 1988.
Memorials may be Sidney American Legion Post 433.