James Boney Jr.

James Boney Jr.

February 26, 1949 - August 15, 2020

James Boney, Jr. "Gi we gah bow", Eagle Clan, of Eagan, Minnesota, passed away on August 15, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

James was born on February 26, 1949 in Nett Lake, Minnesota, to James Sr. and Nancy (Woodenfrog) Boney. He attended grade school in Nett Lake and attended Orr High School. He went on to graduate from Pawnee High School in Pawnee, Oklahoma in 1967. In 1968, he attended Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas. In 1969, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served in the Vietnam War from 1969-1970. He served in the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines as a machine gunner MOS, earning a purple heart and combat action medal. He worked at various jobs in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, landscaping jobs in Denver, Colorado, and retired from the United States Postal Service after serving 18 years in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

He was an avid sports fan, especially of the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins. He was a good bowler, earning several trophies, and traveled to many tournaments in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Las Vegas, Nevada; Aberdeen, South Dakota; and Minneapolis, Minnesota. He and his son enjoyed bowling together and dominating the pins. He enjoyed harvesting wild rice, going to powwows, casinos, sporting events, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He is preceded in death by: father, James Boney Sr .; mother, Nancy (Woodenfrog) Boney; uncles, William Woodenfrog, Anthony Boney, and John Woodenfrog; aunt, Mary Woodenfrog Strong; brothers, Peter Boney Sr., Arnold Boney, Kenneth Boney, and John Boney; and sister, Julie Wilde. He is survived by: aunt, Jennie Woodenfrog; sisters, Irene Boney and Mary Ann Juliano; his longtime companion, Francelia Roy; son, Jeffrey Boney; grandchildren, Zachary Martin Boney and Alyssa Grace Boney; chosen daughter, Makayla John; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.

He is a member of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, the Grand Medicine Society, and will have traditional burial rites.

A Traditional Wake will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at 5:00 PM at the Nett Lake School, Nett Lake, MN. The Traditional Native Service will be held the next day on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at 10:00AM, also at the school. Spiritual Leader will be Billy Blackwell and Spiritual Advisor Vern Adams. Casket Bearers: Chief Pete Boney, Anthony Juliano, John Juliano, Jim Morrison, Brad Johnson, Matthew Boney. Honorary Casket Bearers: Jeffrey Boney, Vernon Boney, Kyle Juliano, Jason Boney, Andyr Jerome, and Zachary Boney. Burial will be in the Woodenfrog Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to any Veteran's services of your choice. To leave an online condolence visit http://www.mlakerfuneralhome.com

Traditional Native American Service

Nett Lake School

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

5:00 PM

13090 Westley Drive

Nett Lake, Minnesota 55772

Traditional Native Wake

Traditional Native American Service

Nett Lake School

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

10:00 AM

13090 Westley Drive

Nett Lake, Minnesota 55772