JAMES A. HONL
Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 8:32PM February 6, 1939 – June 13, 2013
James Arnold Honl, age 74, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, June 13, 2013, at Rainey Hospice House. He was surrounded by the love of his devoted wife, Carolyn. Born in Breckenridge, MN, Jim was the son of the late Arnold George Honl and the late Avis Satre Honl.
Jim was a Vietnam Veteran, who retired with the rank of Major after having served in the US Army for 23 years. While in service, he was the recipient of the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal among others. He graduated from Southern California College of Optometry, receiving his Doctor of Optometry degree. He earned his B.S. Degree at St. John’s University in MN and a Master’s degree from the University of Southern California. After retiring from his distinguished military career, he practiced optometry in Spartanburg, SC, and Greenville, SC. Mr. Honl enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, and researching genealogy among many other interests. Most of all he was a kind, patient and patriotic person who loved his country and enjoyed helping others. He volunteered with Project Hope and the American Red Cross, going on numerous missions to help people affected by poverty and disasters. Jim was of the Catholic Faith.
Survivors include his loving wife of 31 years, Carolyn A. McNatt Honl of Anderson; a daughter, Nancy Honl of Clearwater, FL; 2 step-sons, Michael Whitwell and his wife, Leslie, of Dallas, TX, Mark Whitwell and his wife, Lynne, of McDonough, GA; 4 brothers, Paul Honl and his wife, Linda, of LaCenter, WA, Charles Honl and wife, Renae, of Westville, IN, Bob Honl, and wife, Elaine, of Bemidji, MN, and Pete Honl and his wife, Jean of Roseau, MN; a sister, Kathy Jaenicke and her husband, Frank, of Roseau, MN. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Honl was preceded in death by a step-son, Scott Whitwell.
A Memorial Service to honor the life of James A. Honl will be held on Friday, June 21, 2013, at 7 PM at the Chapel of The McDougald Funeral Home. Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later time.
Contributions in memory of James Honl may be made to Fisher House Foundation, 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, MD 20850.
A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com.
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