James Buckner Bowen, age 85 of Virginia died Thursday, June 28, 2012 in Edgewood Vista. He was born December 15, 1926 in Campbellsville, KY the son of Burr Harrison and Lucy (Buckner) Bowen and served in the United States Armed Forces during WWII. Jim was a 1951 graduate of the University of Kentucky where he played both football and basketball. He taught school and sold insurance in Kentucky prior to moving to Hoyt Lakes in the mid-1950's; and later moved to Virginia. Jim was employed by Erie Mining Company and Pickands Mather in the safety department and in management positions until his retirement in 1987. Jim was an active member of Hope Community Presbyterian Church and its Pastoral Search Committee. He was a member of the Eshquagama Country Club and had served on the Virginia Hospital Commission. He was an avid golfer and liked playing video poker machines. Jim was truly a southern gentleman and was very proud of his Kentucky heritage.
Jim is survived by a son: David Harrison Bowen of Jacksonville, FL; step-children: David (Judy) Klima of Virginia, Michelle (Andrew) Phillips of Britt, and Mary (Thomas) Ewens of Blaine; grandchildren: Aaron (Amy), Kristina (Brandon), Kelly (David), Saul (Noël), Megan (Jim), and Katherine; six great-grandchildren; and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife: Edwina (Johnson); second wife: Rita (Klima); and step-grandson: Wendell Phillips.
A Gathering time for family and friends will be held Friday, July 6, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. until the 10:00 a.m. Memorial Service in Hope Community Presbyterian Church in Virginia. Pastor Nathan Williams will officiate. Inurnment will take place in the Greenwood Cemetery.
Memorials are preferred.
Jim's family wishes to thank the Essentia – East Range Hospice Team and Edgewood Vista for their excellent care and compassion.
Family Services provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Born: December 15, 1926 Place of Birth: Campbellsville, KY Death: June 28, 2012 Place of Death: Virginia, MN Hobbies: Golf, Video Poker Mackines Organizations: Hope Community Presbyterian Church Visitation Friday July 6, 2012 , 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. at Hope Community Presbyterian Church
Memorial Service Friday July 6, 2012 , 10:00 a.m. at Hope Community Presbyterian Church
Share your thoughts and memories in the guestbook.