Jim Bowman

(From Parker Mortuary)

Jim Bowman died on November 30 in Joplin, Missouri. He is survived by wife Joan, sons Kevin and Greg, two daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren.

He was born on July 4, 1933 in Kansas City, Missouri to Meryl Bowman and Lillian Wruck Bowman. He was their only child. He spent his early years at Pembroke Day School for Boys and then graduated from Southwest High School in 1951.

In 1953, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force and trained at Kessler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi. He was eventually stationed at Cambridgeshire, England where he worked as a radar technician on B-45 airplanes. He would go on to attain the rank of Master Sergeant. During off-duty time, Jim enjoyed driving his Austin Healey around the English countryside and courting a beautiful lady that had caught his eye.

Jim married Joan Beryl Tarry on September 28, 1957 at the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Northampton, England. Returning to Kansas City, they started their life and planned a family. Jim was employed in sales and warehousing. The family moved to Joplin, Missouri in 1967.

For the next three decades, Jim worked tirelessly at the family business co-founded by his father. He served as President & CEO of Ozark Terminal, Inc. in Neosho, Missouri. He was a true pioneer in the underground warehouse industry and the company grew and prospered. His sons Kevin and Greg joined him, creating a third generation of expanding success.

Throughout his life, Jim was an avid outdoorsman. He particularly loved fishing, hunting, trap shooting, sporting clays, and boating. He shared these activities with his family and created many wonderful memories. He was a Life Sponsor of Ducks Unlimited. In later years, he began collecting HO-gauge electric trains. He hand-crafted an incredibly detailed fully functioning layout. Everyone who saw his masterpiece was amazed by his patience and artistic skill.

In retirement, he learned to relax and reap the benefits of his hard work. For the next 20 years, often with a group of their closest friends, he and Joan travelled all over the world. He was thrilled to see and photograph foreign lands and interesting people. Before each trip, he was always reluctant to travel so far away. Once he got back home, he was always eager to share what he had experienced.

In 2007, Jim and Joan celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They were blessed with three grandchildren: Kevin & Tania’s son, Niko; Greg & Tracy’s children, Shannon and Derek. They all adored their beloved Pap.

This summer, Jim celebrated his 80th birthday surrounded by family and friends. Soon after, he and Joan took their last trip to England. On November 30, he lost his long battle with heart disease. His final hours were spent with family that he loved and cherished. He will be missed by all.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church with Rev. Frank Sierra officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Parker Mortuary. The casket will remain closed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to St. Philip’s Episcopal Church of Joplin.