Obituary of James F. "Jimmy" Honce, Jr.

James F. “Jimmy” Honce, Jr., 73, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, at Harmony in Bridgeport on August 31, 2024. James was born August 22, 1951 in Clarksburg, WV, son of the late James F. Honce, Sr and Neoma “June” McKinney Honce. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years Jody Lynn (Ice) Honce and their two sons John Thomas “JT” Honce and James Aaron Honce. James is survived by his sister Elizabeth Honce (Albuquerque, NM), nephew Matthew Urrea, in-laws Tom and Patricia Ice of Quiet Dell, daughter-in-law Amy Honce, two grandchildren Autumn and John Honce of Bridgeport as well numerous cousins and close friends. James was a 1969 graduate of Bridgeport High School. He served in law enforcement as a Harrison County Sheriff’s Deputy and a Bridgeport Police Officer and Detective. More recently, James served as a Harrison County Courthouse Security Officer. James owned and operated W.S. Treatment Service, a water treatment company, for over 20 years. James was a member of All Saints Catholic Church and the Fraternal Order of Police Mountaineer Lodge 78. He served as Commander of the Sons of the Bridgeport American Legion Post 68. Despite numerous personal tragedies, James courageously carved out a very joyful and meaningful life, filled with family, friends, music, nature and purpose. James was an integral part of the live local music scene for over 45 years. Playing lead guitar and singing with groups like the 2nd Street band, Driver, and Streetwise, James felt blessed to create music and share the stage with so many life-long friends. James was an incredible cook and enjoyed hosting family and friends on holidays. An avid fisherman, James found peace and welcomed distraction trout fishing in the mountain streams of Randolph and Tucker counties. James and Jody enjoyed the ocean, the sunshine, and seafood during their annual trips to Ocean City with dear friends Sam and Cathy Barnes. An animal lover, James embraced the companionship of several special pets throughout his life. James will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, fortitude, quick wit, and relentless sense of humor. Memorial contributions can be made in James’ memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children,https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,https://www.stjude.org/donate/, and the Harrison County Humane Society, https://www.hshcwv.org/donate.html. The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, Allen Chapel, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport. Friends will be received in the funeral home on Wednesday September 4, 2024 from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. The Catholic Funeral Liturgy will be held at All Saints Catholic Church on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 10:00 AM with Reverend Father Walter Jagela officiating. A service of committal will follow in the Bridgeport Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.