James "Snookie" C. Thone

James Carl "Snookie" Thone May 21, 1928 - July 20, 2018

Jim went to be with our Lord on Friday, July 20th surrounded by his family. He was born on May 21, 1928 in Dardanelle, Arkansas to Henry John Thone and Clyde Lula Pope. He married his sweetheart Lavaundia "Bonnie" Alexander after serving his country and together they raised three beautiful girls.

Jim loved his country, serving in the United States Navy alongside his brothers during World War II on the USS Tantalus (1946) and USS Davidson (1947-48); as well as, assisted in defending our nation during the Korean Conflict aboard both the USS Taluga (1950-51) and USS Laertes (1951-53). Throughout his military career Jim held the rank of First Class Metalsmith and used the skills he learned during his service to become an accomplished welder, which later became his passion and profession.

Jim was proud of his 50 year, 32nd degree membership with the Scottish Rite Masons, Bright Star Lodge 213 and his lifetime membership with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10859 where he had served as a Post Commander. Serving his country was a passion of Jim's and he was grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in traveling to Washington D.C. to visit his war memorials aboard the Honor Flight Kern County escorted by his son-in-law, Tim Maples.

In 1966 Jim began his tenure working as a welder for Hopper Machine Works, Inc. and stayed with the company until its doors closed. Jim then actively attended the Hopper Breakfast Club with this friends and former co-workers from that time until his recent illness. Jim also enjoyed spending time traveling, being with his friends at the East Niles Senior Center, and attending Mopars of Bakersfield Car Club events.

Jim was a kind and loving man who influenced the lives of countless people through his example, integrity, and his desire to serve others to make their day a little brighter. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tell his grandchildren jokes and listen to his great grandchildren sing his favorite hymns. Jim loved the Lord and was a faithful member of the Trinity Life Chapel where he served in many different roles. He was also a very devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend whose presence in this world will be dearly missed by all.

Jim is survived by his three girls: Lavaundia "Butchie" Clark, Janet (Tom) Chappell, and Marlia (Tim) Maples all of Bakersfield, CA; 10 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many cherished friends. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Bonnie; his parents Henry John Thone and Clyde Lula Pope Miller, stepfather Albert Miller, brothers Henry "Buster" Thone, Leslie Thone, Johny Thone, and sister Mary Hunt.

Jim's family would like to thank the gracious staff at Adventist Health Bakersfield and Hoffman Hospice Home for their kind and loving care. Services for Jim will be held on Thursday, July 26th, 10:00 a.m., at Trinity Life Chapel, 5721 Norris Road. Visitation will be held at Trinity Life Chapel from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Wednesday, July 25th and 8:45 to 9:45 am on Thursday, July 26th prior to the service. Burial will follow by a motorcade and internment at Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 East Bear Mountain Boulevard. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Jim's name to Honor Flight Kern County, Box 255, 8200 Stockdale Highway, Suite M-10, Bakersfield, CA. 93311.

James Carl "Snookie" Thone
May 21, 1928 - July 20, 2018

Jim went to be with our Lord on Friday, July 20th surrounded by his family. He was born on May 21, 1928 in Dardanelle, Arkansas to Henry John Thone and Clyde Lula Pope. He married his sweetheart Lavaundia "Bonnie" Alexander after serving his country and together they raised three beautiful girls.

Jim loved his country, serving in the United States Navy alongside his brothers during World War II on the USS Tantalus (1946) and USS Davidson (1947-48); as well as, assisted in defending our nation during the Korean Conflict aboard both the USS Taluga (1950-51) and USS Laertes (1951-53). Throughout his military career Jim held the rank of First Class Metalsmith and used the skills he learned during his service to become an accomplished welder, which later became his passion and profession.

Jim was proud of his 50 year, 32nd degree membership with the Scottish Rite Masons, Bright Star Lodge 213 and his lifetime membership with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10859 where he had served as a Post Commander. Serving his country was a passion of Jim's and he was grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in traveling to Washington D.C. to visit his war memorials aboard the Honor Flight Kern County escorted by his son-in-law, Tim Maples.

In 1966 Jim began his tenure working as a welder for Hopper Machine Works, Inc. and stayed with the company until its doors closed. Jim then actively attended the Hopper Breakfast Club with this friends and former co-workers from that time until his recent illness. Jim also enjoyed spending time traveling, being with his friends at the East Niles Senior Center, and attending Mopars of Bakersfield Car Club events.

Jim was a kind and loving man who influenced the lives of countless people through his example, integrity, and his desire to serve others to make their day a little brighter. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tell his grandchildren jokes and listen to his great grandchildren sing his favorite hymns. Jim loved the Lord and was a faithful member of the Trinity Life Chapel where he served in many different roles. He was also a very devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend whose presence in this world will be dearly missed by all.

Jim is survived by his three girls: Lavaundia "Butchie" Clark, Janet (Tom) Chappell, and Marlia (Tim) Maples all of Bakersfield, CA; 10 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many cherished friends. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Bonnie; his parents Henry John Thone and Clyde Lula Pope Miller, stepfather Albert Miller, brothers Henry "Buster" Thone, Leslie Thone, Johny Thone, and sister Mary Hunt.

Jim's family would like to thank the gracious staff at Adventist Health Bakersfield and Hoffman Hospice Home for their kind and loving care. Services for Jim will be held on Thursday, July 26th, 10:00 a.m., at Trinity Life Chapel, 5721 Norris Road. Visitation will be held at Trinity Life Chapel from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Wednesday, July 25th and 8:45 to 9:45 am on Thursday, July 26th prior to the service. Burial will follow by a motorcade and internment at Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 East Bear Mountain Boulevard. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Jim's name to Honor Flight Kern County, Box 255, 8200 Stockdale Highway, Suite M-10, Bakersfield, CA. 93311.