James "Jimmy" Brian Bona

James “Jimmy” Brian Bona

North Sydney

It is with broken hearts, we the family, announce the passing of Jimmy Bona, age 69, of North Sydney, on October 17, 2023.

Born in North Sydney on November 12, 1953, he was the son of the late Victor and Thelma (White) Bona.

Jimmy is survived by his lifelong love and wife of 46 years, Marlene (Gillis), and his daughters Jaime (Neil) Campbell, and Michelle Bona.  He was very proud of his family.  He found immense joy in being Poppy to his four grandchildren, Finn James, Saylor, Cove and Meadow.  Also surviving are his siblings, Joey (Linda), Elaine (Roddy), Sylvia (Johnny), Brenda (Gary), Jeannie (Chuck), Betty (Pat), and Yvonne; as well as Marlene’s siblings David (Suzanne), Karen (Jack), Kevin (Ruthann) and Tommy (Anne Marie), along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.  Jimmy will also be dearly missed by cherished friends Sandy McInnis, Frank and Trudy Herritt, Jane and Terry Duff, Judy and Robert Hardy. 

Jimmy loved to spend time with family and friends, and loved to entertain and tell funny stories, especially with good music and food.  He loved life, and he lived in the moment.  Jimmy worked at Marine Atlantic in North Sydney for 35 years.  In recent years he enjoyed travelling to Florida with Marlene to enjoy the beach.  He loved nature and animals and was especially attached to his side kick standard poodle, Winter.

Besides his parents, Jimmy was predeceased by his brothers Stevie, Johnny and Reggie Bona, and sister Marina MacDonald. 

A visitation will be held from 1 – 3 pm on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney, with a funeral service to follow at 3 pm in the Funeral Home Chapel, with Marjorie Serafinus officiating.  Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney.  Family flowers only.  Online condolences can be left for the family by leaving a message on the tribute wall of the obituary at www.wjdooley.com. 

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