James Louis Bonse

JAMES LOUIS BONSE, age 78, passed away Friday, March 15, 2024, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. James was born in Walsenburg, Colorado, and raised in Pueblo, Colorado, where he attended Southern Colorado State University for 2 years. 

In 1970 he moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma, and worked for Continental Oil Company as Kitchen Assistant (all phases) for 7 years. There he married Sonja Petersen on May 22, 1971. 

In 1977 they moved to Plano, Texas, where James worked as Sous Chef at Preston Trail Golf Club, and then as Executive Chef at Brookhollow Golf Club. He then became Sous Chef and Manager of 2 restaurants at Louie’s Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas.

In 1986 he started at White Sands Missile Range in the club system at various levels from Chef to Club Manager until he retired.

James is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sonja Bonse; a son, Steven Bonse of Wenatchee, Washington; two grandchildren, Hunter, and Austin Bonse; sisters Delores Craig of Milwaukie, Oregon, and Jane Bonse of Pueblo, Colorado; brothers Leroy Bonse (Pam) of Chandler, Arizona, and Gilbert Bonse (Jane) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; also, many loved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Preceding James in death were his parents; sisters Frances Best, Rita Vines, Dorothy Torgerson, and Judy Bonse.

Services were held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Mission Lutheran Church, 2752 Roadrunner Parkway with the Visitation at 10:00 AM. The Funeral Service will follow thereafter.  Interment will take place at a later date in Iowa.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com

Local Burial arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Louis Bonse, please visit our floral store.