Bonham, Texas -- James Ronald Minnick, 67, of Ravenna, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He fought a courageous battle with cancer.
James was born in Fort Worth, Texas, the son of James C. and Joy Nell Womack Minnick. As the son of a military father, he lived in France, the Philippines, and South Carolina before settling in Bonham during his freshman year of high school. He graduated from Bonham High School in 1976 and attended East Texas State University his freshman year. He was well known for driving his blue Chevy step-side truck with big tires.
On October 26, 1977, James married Sherry Kavanaugh at First Baptist Church of Bonham, officiated by Brother Beezley. James and Sherry were married for 47 years and raised two sons, Jason and Clint.
James began working at Oscar Mayer in 1978 and remained there for 20 years. In 1997, he joined Peterbilt, where he worked for another 20 years before retiring in 2016. After retirement, he enjoyed helping his sons by running hay equipment.
James had a deep love for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. He cherished his bike and took every opportunity to ride, especially enjoying trips through the mountains of Arkansas. His Harley held a special place in his heart.
James will be dearly missed. He was always willing to help others and would give the shirt off his back. He loved his grandchildren deeply and lit up with joy whenever he saw them. Proudly known as "Pappy," he cherished family get-togethers and placed great importance on spending time with loved ones.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James C. and Joy Nell Womack Minnick; his brother, Jon Paul Minnick of Paris, Texas; father-in-law, Charles Kavanaugh of Ravenna; and brother-in-law, Eric Kavanaugh of Bonham.
Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Sherry Minnick; sons, Jason Minnick and wife Michelle, and Clint Minnick and wife Shannon, all of Ravenna; and grandchildren, Hannah, Wyatt, Sarah, and Cathryn Minnick. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Shirley Kavanaugh of Ravenna; sisters-in-law, Karen Williams and husband Jerry of Ravenna, and Rhonda Kavanaugh of Bonham; and sister, Jackie Kennedy and husband Ricky of Houston, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Serving as pallbearers: Jason Minnick, Clint Minnick, Jerry Williams, Mathew Brannum, Casie Partridge, Donald Compton.
Honorary pallbearer: Kerry McBride
He will lay in state Friday, July 18, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home. Graveside services will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Mulberry Cemetery, officiated by Chaplain Mike Hermanson.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Mulberry Cemetery Association, PO Box 23 Ravenna, Texas 75476.
To convey condolences or sign an online registry, please visit www.coopersorrells.com
