Jim Bowman

James Lloyd Bowman

January 28, 1947 – December 18, 2024

James Lloyd Bowman, known to most as Jim and to family as Jimmy Lloyd, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2024, at 7:00 PM. Born on January 28, 1947, in Long Beach, California, to Mary Lu Bowman and Jimmy Vernon Bowman, Jim attended Catholic school as a young boy, an experience that had a lasting impact on his spirituality. Jim lived a life filled with adventure, love, and a ripple effect of kindness, humor, genuine connection and unforgettable moments.

Though born in California, Jim lived most of his life proudly as a Texan. He embraced the state's beauty and spirit, from tubing on the Guadalupe River to camping at Lake Grapevine, being “rescued” from a flooding Paluxy River at Glenrose State Park, and exploring the wonders of Enchanted Rock. Always by his side on these adventures were close friends, loving family members, and loyal pets. His profound connection with animals earned him the nickname “Dr. Dolittle,” as he had a natural affinity for understanding and caring for all creatures. Jim was a curious and thoughtful person, and his spirituality remained a quiet but important part of his life.

Jim’s childhood was marked by a bold independence that saw him travel across the country by hopping trains. As he grew, his charismatic spirit drew rowdy friends who shared in his love of mischief and built lifelong bonds. In his twenties, he married Linda Bowman, who remained his close friend until his final day. Together, they welcomed a daughter, René Bowman. Being a father was a transformative experience for Jim, and the bond he built with René became one of the great joys of his life, enduring to his last breath.

An entrepreneur at heart, Jim spent part of his career building businesses, later thriving as a sales manager where he inspired teams and boosted confidence in ways that shaped their futures. Beyond his professional achievements, Jim was a man who loved deeply and was deeply loved in return. He extended his care and generosity to strangers, friends, and family alike.

Jim lived life to its fullest. His outdoor adventures included hiking rainforest trails in Olympic National Park, fishing the waters of Puget Sound, and swimming in the Pacific Ocean and on the shores of Acapulco. He cherished family moments, like riding bikes with his daughter and building tree swings, and embraced thrilling experiences such as riding motorcycles and dirt bikes, skiing with friends, and taking leaps of faith that defined his courage and bravery. He also loved music, having attended dozens of amazing concerts with friends, including unforgettable shows by Eric Clapton, B.B. King, The Little River Band, Joe Cocker, Pink Floyd, Lyle Lovett, and local bands at outdoor concerts while lounging in the grass with his family. Jim had a knack for finding the best blues bar wherever he went, enjoying the company, the sound, and the soul of the music. His friends fondly remember him saying, 'To sing the blues, you have to suffer.'

He was a great dancer, a Halloween costume contest champion, a skilled pool player, and—at least to those who loved him—the coolest guy in the room. His wit, strength, and sheer toughness left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Jim felt deep and powerful emotions and often shared his reflections on life. He could frequently be heard saying, 'I have had a good life,' and 'I have had a lot of fun in my life.'

A celebration of life will be planned to honor Jim’s memory. Details will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider carrying forward his legacy of kindness by helping a stranger or making someone’s day a little brighter. He leaves behind many friends who remember him for his kindness to animals and people in need of a helping hand, his strength in adversity, courage in danger, his wicked sense of humor, and unwavering commitment to his values.

Jim Bowman’s life was an extraordinary one, marked by kindness, adventurous spirit, and a deep connection to others. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him, carrying forward the lessons of love, courage, and generosity he exemplified every day. Jim was proud to be a loving big brother to his three brothers, Johnny Bowman, Guy Bowman, and Rex Bowman, all of whom preceded him in death. His loving Bowman family also included many cousins, aunts, and uncles who shaped and enhanced his life, helping to make him the remarkable man he became. He was also uncle to Eostra Yarrow, Shawna Bowman, Leo Bowman, and Donald Bowman.