James Anthony Honekamp

James Anthony “Jim” Honekamp, beloved father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Atlanta, GA. He was surrounded by his family in the last hours of his life. He was born November 13, 1924 in Cincinnati, OH to Anthony and Mildred Honekamp. He graduated from Xavier High School and was drafted into the Army during World War II where he was a radio operator. To set up U.S. radio communication, he was one of the first 250 soldiers who landed in Japan after the ceasefire treaty was signed. Jim met his beloved wife Ruth on a train traveling home to Cincinnati after basic training before his overseas deployment to the Philippine Islands and Japan. They dated for one week before Jim shipped out to Japan. They corresponded for twenty months during the war and resumed their courtship upon his return. Jim married Ruth Galt Honekamp on June 26, 1948 and they moved to Decatur, GA, where they lived and raised their family. The couple was married for nearly 65 years before Jim lost his beloved wife and remained lonely without her for the next five years. Now they are happily reunited once more. Jim spent his early years as a manufacturer's representative selling office supplies and travelling all over the southeast mostly before the interstate highway system existed. He spent that last 30 years of his career as the Vice President and General Manager of S. P. Richards Paper Company, a subsidiary of the Genuine Parts Company. Jim never met a stranger and would recognize someone he knew wherever he was in the world, even as far away as New Zealand. Jim and Ruth enjoyed many years of golf, bridge, traveling and fellowship with friends and family at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church and Druid Hills Golf Club. Jim also loved watching sports, especially the Atlanta Falcons, Braves and Hawks. He is predeceased by his brother, Ronald Honekamp and his sister MaryAnn Stone. He is survived by his dear sister Joan Lutes of Huntington, WV, his loving children, Susan Mistretta and husband Paul of Chamblee, GA, Linda Lamb and husband Mike of Columbus, GA, Jim Honekamp and wife Kathy Wise of Fripp Island, SC, Beth Broyles and husband Jim of Decatur, GA, and Kay Penter and husband David of Decatur, GA. Grampy is survived by his grandchildren, Tony Mistretta, Jeff Mistretta and wife Anne, Daniel Mistretta and wife Hannah, Erica Mistretta, Andrew Mistretta and wife Chelsea, and Janet Martin and husband Clint; Joe Lamb and husband Corey Boyette and Thomas Lamb and wife Alison; Amanda, Steven and Meredith Broyles; and Payne, Linde and Henry Penter. Great Grampy is survived by his great grandchildren Thea, Caeli, Claire, Catherine, and Emily Mistretta. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. All of his family loved to spend time with him and hear his stories. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at A. S. Turner and Sons beginning with a Rosary Service. Donations may be made to The Saint Vincent de Paul Society of Saint Thomas More Catholic Church.