James A. Pearce's Obituary
James A. Pearce, 86, of Bradenton, FL passed away peacefully on January 12, 2023. Jim (a.k.a.”Tommy”) was born in Philadelphia, PA, but spent a good amount of his childhood in Woodland, GA. After moving back to Philadelphia as a teenager, Jim proudly joined the United States Marine Corps at the young age of 17. While enlisted, he was sent to Japan and was trained to work on helicopters. His intense training in the USMC prepared Jim for a 35 year carrier working for Boeing Vertol Corporation in Ridley Park, PA. Jim married Ann (Adams) in 1961. Together they raised their family in Broomall, PA. Jim and Ann retired to Country Place Village in New Port Richey, FL and lived there for about 16 years. They moved to Palm Lake Estates in Bradenton, FL to be closer to one of their daughters and lived there for a little over 2 years.
Jim was a hard worker and enjoyed working tirelessly on his house and his yard. He loved nature and intentionally created an environment that would lure wildlife to him. Across the years, he enjoyed bowling, golfing, playing cards and other games with friends. Jim had a silly, sometimes ornery sense of humor. He had a unique way of conveying his thoughts through comical facial expressions and body movements. He was extremely proud of his two daughters and his grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with them and loved to tell them stories of his life.
Jim was an extremely generous person. He would give you the shirt off his back, if you needed it. He was well known by neighbors for lending a hand whenever someone needed work done at their home, or any simple task. He enjoyed sharing trees or flowers he nurtured from seedlings in his yard. But, perhaps Jim’s greatest gift was in the way he lovingly cared for his wife, Ann… especially in her later years. Jim will be dearly missed.
Jim is predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Cynthia Ann Pearce; his parents, Jane Canum and Charles Pearce; brother, Charles Pearce; and sister-in-law, Sydnee Canum.
Jim is survived by his children, Patricia Bonfig and Susan Jones (and husband, Terry); grandchildren, Charles “Chip” Bonfig (and wife, Laura), Caitlin Hoffmann (and husband, Ray), Amanda Jones, Trevor Jones, and Julie Bonfig; great grandchild, Theodore “Teddy” Hoffmann; half-brothers, Chester Canum (and wife, Joanne) and Willard Canum (and wife, Cathy); sister-in-law, Julia Pearce; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and countless friends.
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