James Frederick Tonkery, 85, of Bridgeport, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, WV with family by his side. He was born December 28, 1939 in Boothsville, WV, son of the late Paul Edward and Edna Mae Thompson Tonkery.
Survivors include his longtime girlfriend of 32 years Sandra Stackhouse; daughters Teresa Tonkery, April Burke and her husband John; granddaughter Kylie Burke; brother Donald Tonkery and his wife Paula; sister-in-law Kay Tonkery; and several very special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Tammy Ann Tonkery; brothers Charles Tonkery and Junior Tonkery; and sister Wilma Williams.
James was a hard worker and spent most of his life working as a heavy equipment machine operator, helping move ground for parts of I-79, Eastpointe Shopping Center and Pete Dye Golf Course. In retirement, James filled his time with traveling to Texas with his girlfriend Sandy, tinkering around in his workshop, tending to his plants and flowers, and spending time with his beloved brother Donnie.
James will be dearly missed by his daughters and those he left behind. He is celebrated for the full life he lived and those that loved him.
Friends will be received at Harmer Funeral Home on Monday, March 10, 2025 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM with a funeral service Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Shinnston Memorial Cemetery.
Online memories and condolences may be shared at Harmerfuneralhome.com
A Service of Harmer Funeral Home, Shinnston.
