James Robert Bonholzer, 95, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather, passed away peacefully at United General Medical Center in Sedro Woolley on Saturday, November 13, 2021, with his loving family by his side. He was born on January 9, 1926, in Glenburn, North Dakota; the second of two sons born to Laurence and Matilda (Solheim) Bonholzer.

He was part of the Greatest Generation of Americans. His life is a glimpse of those who lived during an era faced with economic difficulties, natural disasters and with a world war raging. What follows is a snapshot from the tribute his great grand-daughter, Alexis, wrote.

The Bonholzer family moved from Glenburn to Tacoma, Washington in the late 1930s during the Great Depression and later moving to West Seattle. Jim started his theater career at 13 working at the Admiral Theater in West Seattle for free movies. Jim, in his 'hustling' kept good grades at school, bought himself a car (a 1937 Ford Five Passenger Coupe) before he was eligible for a driver's license and learned early in life that hard work had its rewards.

In 1944 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. After his honorable discharge in 1946, he met the love of his life, Lorraine Violet Rohl while he was working at the Admiral Theater. Lorraine and Jim married and took a three-month honeymoon, touring the United States by car. Upon their return, Jim, procured a position operating a little theatre in Montesano, WA, where their son, Jimmy, was born.  Later, Jim joined Warner Brothers, working their theatres in Aberdeen and Hoquiam, WA. The private pilot's license he obtained after the war and subsequent purchase of an airplane enabled him to commute between theatres he managed.  In 1958, Pacific Theatres acquired the theatres in Hawaii and Jim, accompanied by Lorraine, was sent to oversee the properties. Their second home was on the island of Maui where they spent many winter months with family and friends. They made fast friends with other owners of theatres like the Rosen family.

Being in the theatre industry, exposed the Bonholzers to world-wide travel of which they have covered all seven continents, wonders of the world and all 24 time zones.  All in all, Jim was a man of faith and managed his business affairs and family matters well.  Having amassed vast knowledge and experience in the theatre industry, he ventured out on his own.  In 1963 he opened and built the Circus Drive-In, in Anacortes; in 1966, he built and operated the Fruitvale Drive-In, in Yakima. The following year he purchased the Top Hi Drive-In, in Toppenish. He joint ventured with other investors to build and operate the North Shore Drive-In, in Ocean Shores, to name but a few of his undertakings.  Accomplishments pioneered by Jim were copied and duplicated by others in the industry. He retired in 1986. Both he and Lorraine spent much time on their boat, SHOBIZ, moored in Anacortes, discovering the San Juan Islands.  Jim was a great storyteller and loved to share his adventures and life experiences with everyone.  He was loved deeply and will be greatly missed. Aloha and A Hui Hou

Jim is predeceased by his parents; his brother, Lawrence Allen (Larry); his son, James Richard (Jimmy); and Lorraine, his wife of 61 years.  He is survived by his daughter: Laurrie Bonholzer Zimmerman, of Maui, HI; 5 grandchildren (spouses): Julie Bonholzer Mills (Chris) of Federal Way, WA; Steven Bonholzer of St. George, Ut; Matthew Thompson of Kent, WA; Renee Thompson (Brad Park) of Washington, DC; and Heidi Tutton of Queen Creek, AZ; 13 great grandchildren and 6 great, great grandchildren; three nephews, one niece and friend, Esther Sharrow.

Memorial Contributions Variety The Children's Charity (Northern California Chapter) varietync.org; Smiles International Foundation http://www.smilesinternationalfoundation.org/ ; Will Rogers Motion Picture Foundation https://wrpioneers.org/ ; or a charity of your choice .

His Committal Service with Military Honors will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, November 26, 2021, at Fernhill Cemetery. Memorial Service to follow Noon, at Evans Funeral Chapel in Anacortes, Washington.

To share memories of Jim and to read his full obituary, please visit Jim's memorial site at: www.evanschapel.com/obituary/jim-bonholzer

Alexis' Tribute to Jim

Circus Drive-In, Anacortes - Anacortes Museum