James "Jim" Bongers, Little Chute, age 91, died Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at his home with his family by his side. Jim was born August 18, 1929, to the late Arnold and Mabel (Vandenberg) Bongers. Jim married the love of his life, Catherine "Kate" Feldkamp, at St. Paul Parish in Wrightstown, on June 2, 1951. He worked at the paper mill in Kimberly as a painter in the maintenance department for 44 years, until his retirement in 1991. A lifelong resident of Little Chute, Jim attended St. John's Grade School and High School. He played three years for the Little Chute Flying Dutchmen semi-pro football team, served in the Army Reserves, and later, became a charter member of the Msgr. Sprangers Council of the Knights of Columbus.

Jim loved his family beyond measure, especially his wife of whom he took extraordinary care through her long battle with Alzheimer's. His greatest joy was spending time with family—his kids, grandkids, great grandkids, siblings, in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was a wonderful father and the best grandfather. He also enjoyed being up north—camping and fishing—as well as golfing, bowling, and fixing things for his grandkids. Jim attended mass nearly daily in person or virtually at St. John's. He was a hard worker, a good neighbor, an unbelievable painter, an avid puzzle maker, a great handyman, and one of the kindest people you could ever meet. Jim will be remembered for his patient nature, positive spirit, deep faith, tremendous love of family, and quiet example of how to live a wonderful life.

Jim is survived by his children: Bonnie (Kevin) Bell, Little Chute; and Mary (Dave) Hermsen, Little Chute; daughter-in-law Julie Bongers, Little Chute; grandchildren: Jacquelyn (Michael) Sharkey, Michael (Michelle) Bongers, Gregory (Laurie) Bongers, Sarah (Justin) Konkol, Laura (Kane) Harvey, Hannah (Adan) DeLaCruz, Brett (Jessica) Hermsen, Trisha Hermsen, Tyra (Kevin) Grinvalsky, and Elizabeth (Ben) Laufenberg; great grandchildren: Ethan, Grace, and Ella Sharkey; Justin, Hailey, and Faith Bongers; William, Bella, and Edward Bongers; James, Bridget, Sam, and Henry Konkol; K.J. and Nahla Harvey; Mila and Enzo DeLaCruz; Abigail and Connor Hermsen; and Adelaide Laufenberg; and his sisters-in-law: Peg Bongers Kons, Helen (Norb) Evers, Theresa Ison, Joan (Russ) Aerts, and Mary Feldkamp. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Kate; his son, Dan Bongers; siblings: Lee (Marie) Bongers; Marian Brazier; and Bill Bongers; father- and mother-in-law: Peter and Catherine (Lamers) Feldkamp; sister-in-law Ethel (Gerald) Ebben; and brothers-in-law: Jim Ison, Howard Feldkamp, Ralph Feldkamp, and Ted (Jean) Feldkamp.

Visitation will be held August 23, 2021, at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (411 Vandenbroek St., Little Chute) beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Msgr. James Vanden Hogen will officiate. Committal St. John Cemetery. To sign the guestbook please visit oconnellfh.com.

The Bongers family would like to extend a special thank you to Moments Hospice and Right at Home who took exceptional care of Jim during his final days, and to Jim's wonderful neighbors who looked out for him every day.