Football:

By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor

It doesn’t seem real.

The San Gabriel Valley has lost a giant.

And it happened many decades too soon.

Jim Bonds, who spent the last 20 years of his life leading the St. Francis football program, passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 51.

Bonds was diagnosed with cancer nearly two years ago, and despite going through treatments, he never missed a game in 2019.

Every now and then he looked winded on the sidelines and needed to sit down and hydrate himself, but his voice and passion for the game, the kids and the school he loved never waned a bit.

His prognosis looked good.

In a conversation about the battle, when asked what keeps him so positive, Bonds said, “it’s the game and the kids and my coaches that have me out here and fighting. They helped me and gave me something to look forward to, and I gave them everything I had. I knew I’d need a fighting spirit and an optimistic outlook to beat this.”

Coach Bonds leaves behind a beautiful family.

His wife Tricia, and children, Katie and James, meant everything to him.

JB said on a number of occasions that his success wasn’t possible without the love, support and sacrifices from his family.

Tricia Bonds, by being a great wife and mother, made it possible for him to spend long hours, often six and sometimes seven days a week away from their Valencia home during football season, so year in and year out he could put together the best possible football team.

Bonds played quarterback at Hart High School and then to Westwood for UCLA.

Some of Bonds’ coaching highlights included winning a record 160 games at the helm of the Golden Knights, leading St. Francis to a CIF-SS Division 3 title game appearance (2017) for the first time in over 50 years and the long list of players he’s sent on to play college football.

The two most prominent today are Daniel Scott at Cal and UCLA’s Greg Dulcich.

Bonds helped create an environment at St. Francis where Friedman Field became arguably the most difficult place to play in the SGV for a visiting program.

It was because of the size and sound of the crowds every Friday night.

What turned out to be his last home game and final victory over a magnificent run at the La Canada school was a satisfying 38-0 blowout over league rival, Cathedral, back on November 1 of 2019.

The victory was not only the Golden Knights’ first win over the Phantoms in four years, but it also earned the program a share of the Angelus League championship.

But more important than any of the impressive feats or numbers he and his program achieved on the football field, it was the work ethic, dignity and family-like atmosphere they lived out every day that meant the most to all those in brown and gold.

In fact, one just needs to look at the last names of his coaches and the length of their service to prove that out.

Almost every coach on his staff had a kid who played for Bonds and unlike most assistant coaches, they all stuck around after their son(s) had graduated.

His nephew, Michael Bonds, wanted to play for his uncle, so he moved from Orange County to the SGV, and led the St. Francis offense at quarterback in 2016.

It was a year that Michael will never forget, because he got to grow as a person and a player, and it allowed nephew and uncle to share their collective love for both the game of football and the position of quarterback.

In 21 years of covering high school football from the SGV to the Inland Empire and Long Beach, no program put more value on being a captain than at St. Francis.

It meant everything to the players that were elected to that high honor, and each of those captains knew they had to live up to a very high standard, because that’s what was expected of ‘Golden Knights.’

That impressive list of quality young men included names like Greg Dulcich, Blake Howard, Tanner Tomko, Elijah Washington, Devan Bell, Aidan Flynn, Matt Barriga, Kevin Armstead and Daniel Scott.

What also made Jim’s program fun and impressive to cover was both the creativity and (guts) he showed in the defining moments of games, but also the number of times we as reporters took notes on the visitors side and heard the opposition downplay St. Francis’ chances because of a perceived lack of toughness or talent.

Bonds didn’t just win games over far superior talent, he out-coached many opponents who took the Golden Knights lightly.

His penchant for trick plays or catching an opponent off-guard on fourth down was a sight to see.

But what made Jim Bonds so special to this reporter was the love he had for his coaching staff, players, program, school and his family.

In 21 years of writing feature stories, Bonds is literally the only coach who has called me to request a story be done on an offensive lineman (Matt Barriga).

It’s not that they don’t deserve more publicity or praise, it’s more that it’s not easy to write, because there aren’t any real stats or ways of pointing out just how valuable lineman are and always will be to a team’s success.

But Bonds insisted because of how much Matt meant to his program, teammates and their success.

After a game that got called at halftime (41-0 over Salesian) due to lightning in 2018, I had just finished interviewing four players and Bonds in the school weight room as to stay out of the inclement weather.

But as I stopped recording the interviews on video, I could tell that he had something on his mind.

“Jim, is there something else?”

“Yes, could I please mention the names of my offensive lineman, because they never get enough credit?”

So, without hesitation, we went back on camera and he named off every player that had made a block for the skilled players who get the headlines and credit after each win.

When this writer’s mom was battling breast cancer at the same time his mother was dealing with health issues, I got a number of texts out of the blues asking “how is your mom doing?”

Jim Bonds is a special man, and his family, players, coaches and those who had the privilege to bump into him are lucky people.

His players intellect, the way they carried themselves in good times and after losses is a credit to the kid, their parents and the St. Francis coaching staff.

And it’s for all of those reasons that today’s announcement of his passing has rocked all of those who know, respect and love Jim Bonds.

In the quotable section, we reached out to a number of his former players to reflect on Jim’s invaluable impact on their football careers and lives.

We were also lucky enough to speak to former rivals Kevin Pearson (Cathedral) and Russell Gordon (La Salle) about the kind of competitor Bonds was and the way his players represented St. Francis.

Lastly, to Tricia, Katie and James— the entire SGV athletics, and specifically the football community and well beyond sends their heartfelt love and well wishes your way.

Your husband/father accomplished things both on and off the field in 51 years that most couldn’t achieve in 90.

I know it might seem hard to believe right now, but in time, because of the life he led and the indelible impact he made, you’ll be able to spend more time celebrating his life than mourning his death.

Thanks to all of you for sharing him with us.

God bless, Jim Bonds.

Quotable:

SF athletic director, Matt Luderer: “Today is a very sad day for St. Francis. Jimmy was so much more than our football coach. He mentored these young men, taught them valuable life lessons, and had an impact on them that went far beyond the football field. He will always be remembered as a coach, mentor, leader of men, husband, father, son, brother, friend, and Golden Knight. Rest easy, Brother Bonds.”

2017 SF captain, Greg Dulcich: “Coach Bonds did so much for my life and he’s someone I’ll always look up to. His selflessness and desire for us to succeed is what sets him apart, because he genuinely cared for us so much. After my senior season, he was relentless in helping me get an opportunity to continue playing, because he knew it’s what I wanted, and whatever goals his players had, he’d do all he could to help them achieve it. His dedication to me didn’t stop after I graduated either, he’d show up to UCLA practices multiple times and surprise me with the other coaches. Seeing how proud he was meant everything to me. While I was at St. Francis, he was someone I could always count on and he was my biggest motivator. I can’t thank him enough for shaping me into who I am today and giving me the opportunities that he has. He’ll always have a special place in my heart for everything he’s done and for the man he was. I love him.”

2017 SF captain, Elijah Washington: “The word coach is an understatement when it comes to Coach Bonds. He’s much more than the guy you see on Friday nights down there on Friedman Field. The impact he had on my life and countless others will be cherished forever. Coach Bonds taught a lot of boys how to be young men. He was a role model for many and he did so through his actions and leadership. My years at St. Francis will always be some of the best years of my life, and it’s thanks to the environment that Coach Bonds established there. Loving, fun, hardworking, and always putting the team first. These words describe the culture of St, Francis and the type of coach and man that Coach Bonds was.”

2017 SF captain, Blake Howard: “Coach Bonds meant a lot to me. He always believed in me and always came to practice in such an upbeat mood that made everyone want to work hard and have a great day. He led by example and showed all of us the proper way to approach each day in life. He was not only a football coach, but a life coach. So many life lessons come from playing football and he was an incredible man that instilled so many life lessons in all of his players and students. He will be truly missed, but I know he is smiling down on all of us today and always until we see him again one day. Rest in Paradise, Coach Bonds.”

2019 SF captain, Tanner Tomko: “This morning, I woke up and it was the first thing I saw. I was completely heartbroken and devastated by the loss of Coach Bonds, a true leader and role model to all. Coach Bonds helped me through my ups and downs on and off the field. I wouldn’t be the man nor the football player I am today without him. He taught me how to be a leader and was the greatest model for that. He showed me courage to fight and to never give up. He taught me sportsmanship and character and is something that I’ll never forget. He would always say team first and I’ll always stand by that. I am honored and blessed to be mentored by Coach Bonds and words can’t explain how truly grateful I am for that. Being one of his final captains will be something I’ll never forget and I’ll hold it close to my heart forever. I love you, Coach Bonds #BondsStrong.”

2019 SF captain, Kevin Armstead: “Coach Bonds has had a huge impact on my life. It was heartbreaking to hear the news of his passing, because he was family to me. When playing for someone for three years, you build a special kind of relationship with them. Coach Bonds always made sure that I was OK, whether it was in school, on the field, or even just my mental health. He always checked in on me because that is the type of person he was. He put others before himself. That is why I came to St Francis to play for him, because of memories like that. He is part of the reason why I’m where I’m at today. It was truly an honor for him to name me captain last year, it meant the world to me to know that Coach Bonds thought I was capable enough to be a captain for his team. I just can’t believe I am texting this talking about my memories of Coach Bonds, but I know that he is looking down over me and I promise that I will make him proud by doing the things that he taught me both on and off the field here at Montana. I love you forever, Coach Bonds.”

2019 SF captain, Devan Bell: “Learning of Coach Bond’s passing was devastating. It is still very difficult to process. My heart is hurting for Mrs. Bonds, the rest of his family, and the entire St. Francis community. Playing for Coach Bonds included numerous life lessons, laughs, and memories that I will hold near my heart for the rest of my life. Being apart of his last team and having the honor of Golden Knight is something that I will never forget. As a Golden Knight, I was able to learn the importance of leading by example from Coach Bonds. Off the field, Coach Bonds prepared me for life after football and St. Francis. Coach Bonds was another father figure to many of us and treated all of us as his sons. He was able to teach us all the importance of family and loyalty, which are lessons that I will pass onto my sons. I love Coach Bonds and will always remember his great big smile and heart.”

2019 SF captain, Aidan Flynn: “I woke up to hear the news that Coach Bonds passed away, this was something that devastated me because of his impact on my life. Coach Bonds was someone who played a huge role in my life, not only on the field, but off of it as well. He taught me how to be a man and to always be a leader. Coach Bonds was always someone I looked up to and always pushed me to be a better person. Coach not only changed me as a player, but as a man. Coach Bonds taught us all how to keep fighting and never give up.”

2017 SF captain, Matt Barriga: “Coach Bonds was more than a coach to me and everyone he met, Coach was the type of person who made everyone around him give 110 percent effort, not because he would yell and get in your face, but because you never wanted to let him down. Coach would never hesitate to help you out with anything you needed or even just to sit down and talk to you. Coach taught me so many things, but what sticks with me the most is the way he always seemed calm when the odds were stacked against us. Coach taught me to fight for every second of every snap of every day and to me that’s more than just football, that’s the way coach lived his life and how I want to try and live my life. Coach will forever be in the hearts and minds of myself and everyone who had the ability to play for such a amazing coach and mentor.”

2016 SF running back/defensive back, Jace Harrick: “Everyone and their dog in the Los Angeles area knows about the legend, Jim Bonds. Those from afar know that he is the man making the magic happen to keep a winning program going. But us as players were lucky enough to see why he had so much success at what he did. Jim Bonds had love for what he did. He loved the game of football. He loved the kids he coached. Most importantly, he loved seeing the people he mentored succeed. The principles I learned from being a Golden Knight under Jim Bonds has blessed my life in many ways. I discovered the beauty of discipline and how it can shape our life for the greater good. I learned the importance of being a team player that translated into being a better family member and coworker. Most importantly, Jim Bonds taught me that I can achieve anything through hard work and diligence. He believed in me and gave me a chance on the football field. That trust and guidance gave me the confidence to attack my goals and dreams. I am so grateful for Coach Bonds and the impact he has had on not just my life, but thousands of others. Rest In Peace, coach. Until we meet again.”

Former SF quarterback, Darius Perrantes: “Going to St. Francis to play for Coach Bonds was one of the best choices I’ve made in my life. Coach Bonds could’ve passed up the chance of letting me play for him and the program like many other schools and coaches, but he chose to take a chance with me and that’s something I will truly never forget. Being able to play for Bonds and learn the game that we both love so much from him was truly a blessing and I wouldn’t have asked for a better coach or team for my two and only years at St. Francis. Being able to play in a CIF championship game for him and the entire SF community meant the world to me, and it still hurts me to this day that I wasn’t able to bring that trophy home to him. But I would never change one second of all the hardship and challenges we faced in our journey together. I will never forget all of the guidance he has given me not only as a player, but most importantly as a man. I love you, Coach! Brown n Gold for life! #7”

SF parent, John Cordova (of Isaac Cordova): “As parents, we don’t easily give our children over to the care and influence of others. To us, putting our son in the hands of Coach Bonds was a no-brainer. His approach to developing strong men stretched far beyond the football field and into real life. We hear that the four years of college prepares you for the next 40 years of life. Frankly, those four years under Coach Bonds were equally important in preparing our son for life beyond campus. A bunch of SF dads formed a group called the ‘Bleacher Coaching Staff,’ the BCS for short. We’d be at every practice and every game. Even dads whose kids had long since graduated. We did it because of the environment he created and we marveled at the consistency and excellence that Coach Bonds instilled in every team, every year. It was amazing. We’ll all miss him dearly.”

Former Cathedral coach, Kevin Pearson: “First of all, my deepest condolences to Jim’s family and the entire St Francis community. I’ve lifted him and his family up in prayer and will continue to do so. I had great respect for how Coach Bonds ran his program. St Francis was always one of the most well coached teams we played year in and year out and their kids played extremely hard. When talking to some of their kids after games or at other times, I was always impressed with each of them as young men. It was evident that they were led by good men.”

Former La Salle coach, Russell Gordon: “Jim was a fierce competitor, who was a very well respected colleague. He always had his team prepared week in and week out for competition. He instilled hard work and character within all of his young men, that’s why he built a great winning program with positive culture and leadership. I always respected the love that Coach had for St. Francis and it’s inclusive community. Jim was not only a great coach/teacher, and mentor, but more importantly he was a great father.”