Paul "Jim" James Bonar

Paul (Jim) Bonar passed away Wednesday morning at Salem Memorial Hospital due to heart failure. Jim was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Bert and Edith Bonar. He was preceded in death by his only sibling and brother, Gilbert (Gil), and is survived by his wife Pat, his daughter Patsy, his sons Paul and Chris, and seven grandchildren.

Jim grew up on the move as his family moved through Iowa to Texas, where at the age of six lost his father to a work related accident. His mother then moved the family west to Banks, Oregon where she had family and worked as a cook at a relative’s lumber camp and where young Jim worked also. Jim grew up living part time with his Aunt in Portland and attended Benson High School.

Jim enlisted in the Navy January 7, 1941 at the age of 17, and having a mechanical aptitude and a strong work ethic, he entered the Aviation Machinist Mate Training School in San Diego, CA, and achieved the position of First Class. Working mostly on PBY aircraft, he did a tour of duty in the Asian Pacific conflict and the Philippine liberation. Later in Pensacola, Fl., he received additional training in Patrol Plane School, Commando School, and Aerial free gunnery, and he also worked as a Control Tower Operator. He received the World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal, and was honorably discharged July 11, 1946.

After the war, he moved back to Portland and enrolled in the University of Portland Law School. He attended Law school for two years and worked part-time for the Portland Police Department. He then entered Law Enforcement and joined the Police force in 1948. In 1950, he met the love of his life, Patsy (Pat) Palmer, and they were married October 7, 1953. He served with the Bureau for 28 years retiring in 1976. His last two years he served as the Commander for the Sunshine Division. He was a hard worker, often working extra jobs, including Portland Meadows Racetrack, Multnomah Greyhound Track, and in construction/remodeling. He also liked to restore old tools and furniture to pristine condition.

Jim was a sportsman who loved the outdoors, camping, hunting and fishing and was always eager to go. There was always a camping or hunting trip he was trying to line up. He enjoyed golfing, and in his later years, attended OSU football games.

He maintained active participation and was a Life Member in the Elks Lodge Organization. He enjoyed the fellowship, a game of poker or pool, and the charitable projects and activities.

Donations may be made to the Portland Police Sunshine Division and the Elks Lodge Scholarship fund.