James Oliver Bonjour

James Oliver "Big Jim" Bonjour, 83, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on July 20th, 2021 at home. 

Military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 24th, 2021 at Dubuque Memorial Gardens with burial to follow. 

Family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 24th at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. 

He was born 12/10/1937 in Township of Jordan, Green County, Wisconsin, the son of Charles and Ella (Engebretson) Bonjour.  Jim graduated from Belmont High School, Belmont, WI. He married JoAnn (Schneider) Zmudka, married May 30, 1985 in Dubuque, IA.

Jim was a semi driver and retired from Prairie Farms Dairy. He is a United States Marine Corps Veteran.

Under Jim’s sometimes gruff and blustery exterior was a kind heart.  He was a modest man who lived a modest, quiet life.  He was appreciative of the things he had and rarely complained about the lack of things he did not.  Prior to her death in 2001, Jim and JoAnn enjoyed dinners out at local supper clubs, traveling, casinos and auctions.   She has been greatly missed these past 20 years.  Jim was an avid reader.  He also loved a good recipe and rarely passed up the chance to pick up another cookbook.  

Jim is survived by his three step children: Bill (Lori) Zmudka, Jim Zmudka and Chris (Mike) Lambert.  He was the proud grandfather of Becky, John, Matt, Joe, Jeana, Molly, Zach and Lucas.  Jim has two special nieces, Dorine and Debbie.

He was preceded in death by his wife JoAnn, his parents Charles and Ella, his sister Jean and niece Leilani.

Memorials may be given to the Veteran’s Freedom Center.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.