---- — BOERNE, Texas — James Alan Koons, 53, of Boerne, Texas, and formerly of Big Rapids, died unexpectedly Monday, April 23, 2012, at his home in Boerne. Born on Sunday, Sept. 28, 1958, to the late Jeannette (Newton) and Jerry G. Koons Jr., Jim was a 1977 graduate of Big Rapids High School.He continued his education at the Trinidad College of Gunsmithing School in Colorado, graduating in 1979, and later attended Marshalltown Community College in Iowa in the tool and die program, graduating in 2009. Jim proudly served our country as a member of the United States Marine Corps for 10 years and was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He is survived by his brother, Daniel Robert Koons, of Maine; his stepmother, Betty Koons; and aunt, Marilyn Koons, both of Traverse City; and his fiancée, Deanna Harwood, of Iowa. He is also survived by a nephew, niece and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Cecy (Koons) Langley; grandparents; and uncle, Edwin "Bill" Koons.A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 30, at Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids, with the Rev. Becky Chamberlain, of The Presbyterian Church of Traverse City, officiating. Military Rites will be offered by the Honor Guard of the Big Rapids AmVets Post. Memorial contributions may be directed to the D.A.V., the Goodwill Patriot Place (transitional housing community for homeless veterans) or a charity of your choice.You may share memories with the family by visiting Jim's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Traverse City.