Obituary of James W. Gonnam
James W. Gonnam, 72, passed away at home on Monday, June 17, 2024. Born April 24, 1952, in Morris, he was the son of Jesse and Gwen (Walker) Gonnam. He received his education from Verona Grade School and MVK High School, graduating with the Class of 1970. He went on to earn an Associates Degree in Agriculture Production from Joliet Junior College, before being inducted into the US Army where he served stateside for two years. He married Debra Hall on June 23, 1973, at the First Baptist Church in Morris. They spent their first year living in Lawton, OK, where Jim was stationed, then returned to the family farm near Verona, where they spent the remainder of their married life.
Jim fulfilled his lifelong passion for farming until recently retiring. He also served on the Vienna Township Board for 42 years, 14 as a trustee and 28 as road commissioner. Other boards of services included the Grundy County Farm Bureau, Grundy Business Services and Ward Cemetery He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Morris.
Jim enjoyed watching TV westerns, doing word searches, and feeding the birds.
Survivors include his wife, Deb; two sons, Jay (Mark Sakalares) Gonnam of Chicago and Joseph (Jennifer) Gonnam of Pingree Grove; four grandchildren, JJ, Jaden, Jordyn, and Jace Gonnam; and a sister, Beverly (Steve) Thomason, of Haslet, TX.
Preceding him in death were his parents; one son, Jeffrey in 1998; and one brother, William Gonnam.
A visitation for James W. Gonnam will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 W. Route 6 at Deerpath Drive in Morris. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024, where he will lie in state from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church 1650 W. Route 6 in Morris. Interment will follow at Ward Cemetery in Verona. Memorials may be directed to Ward Cemetery, First Baptist Church of Morris, Verona-Kinsman Fire Protection District, or MVK Ambulance Service.
For information, please call 815-942-5040 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
