James Arthur Gonyo Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

CPO James A. Gonyo USN (Ret.), of Traverse City formerly of Mesick, age 94, died August 11, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born November 13, 1922, in Port Henry, NY to George and Rose (Bombard) Gonyo. He graduated from Chazy Central Rural School in Chazy, NY. Jim enlisted in the Navy in 1940 and served on PT boats during WWII, mostly in the Solomon Islands. He also served in the Korean Conflict. Jim retired from the Navy in 1960 and then worked in the Naval Shipyards in radiology control on nuclear submarines for 23 years. On February 10, 1994, he married a high school friend, Betty North Williams who preceded him in death on November 14, 2016. Jim was an avid reader and would sometimes read 2 to 3 books a week. He also enjoyed watching Tiger baseball games and Michigan State Spartans football and basketball. He was a member of WWII PT Boats INC and a 40 year member of the FRA (Fleet Reserve Association). Jim is survived by Betty’s children Nancy (Matt) Gustafson, Monroe, NC; Tom (Pam) Williams, Mesick; Diana Williams, Traverse City; Carol (Chuck) Boyer, Harrietta; Paul (Patti) Williams, Mesick; step-son-in-law Dana (Lois) Howes of Maine; Betty’s grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; his first wife Lorette’s grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Lorette, her daughter Julie Howes, and his brothers Bernard (Lena), George and Robert. The memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at 3:00 pm with visitation held one hour prior at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. His cremated remains will be interred at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Chazy, NY at a later date. Memorial contributions in memory of Jim may be directed to the PT Boats INC, P.O. Box 38070, Memphis, TN, 38183-0070. Please share your memories at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

James Arthur Gonyo

November 13, 1922 - August 11, 2017