James Leslie Bowman

FARMINGTON - James "Jim" Leslie Bowman entered into his eternal reward on July 26, 2021. He was at home surrounded by family and prepared to meet the Lord. Jim was born February 15, 1951 in St. Louis, Mo. to the late Claude and Theda Bowman. He grew up in Granite City and joined the United States Army in 1969 and served in Vietnam. Jim was united in marriage to Janell Carter on March 8, 1974. They have three children: Sherilyn Bowman, Tony Bowman, and Tammy Cruz. The military was everything to Jim. His 25-year career took him all over the world. In service of the Defense Intelligence Agency, he served in United States Embassies in Afghanistan, Belgium, and Singapore as well as in numerous posts in the USA, accompanied by Janell and all three children. Jim retired as a Sergeant Major in 1994. He and Janell moved to Leavenworth, Kan. after Jim retired, where he worked for the Kansas Turnpike Authority as a supervisor for 14 years. In his retirement, he enjoyed collecting coins and RV camping. The Bowman's moved to Farmington in 2010 and immediately became involved in their church community at First Baptist in Doe Run. Jim served as a deacon, a trustee, and a Sunday School teacher. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Janell (Carter) Bowman; his children, Sherilyn Bowman, Tony Bowman, and Tammy Cruz; his siblings, Glenn Bowman, Delores (Gene) Cain, and Sharon Berge; his brother-in-law, Charles (Corky) Butler; his grandchildren, James (Ashley) Bowman, Isaac Bowman (Shelbie Williams), Dylan Cruz, Alyssa (Christian) Syring, Madeline Cruz (Henry Mullenix), Elayna Cruz, Jared Bowman, and Adrian Cruz; his great-grandchildren: Donnie, Tavin, Coen, Nickolas, Ariel, Rylan, Angelo, and Emersyn; and by many nieces, nephews, and more loving family members and friends. Jim was a man of firm character and steadfastly held values, yet he was not without humor. He used his final days on earth to preach conversion. He always had a gentlemanly compliment for his beloved Janell, with whom he remained deeply besotted until their final parting. The house full of family and friends in his final days said more about him than words ever could. Jim will be missed, but those who loved him best know he is face-to-face with his Savior and hope to meet him again in heaven. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 29, from 6 8 p.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel in Farmington. Visitation will resume on Friday morning at 7 a.m. until the funeral beginning at 8:30 a.m. with Pastor Keith Huffman officiating. Interment will follow with full military honors at 11:30 a.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis. Share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com. Visitation Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory Thursday, July 29, 2021 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Visitation Resumes Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory Friday, July 30, 2021 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Funeral Service Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory Friday, July 30, 2021 8:30 AM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Interment Service Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery Friday, July 30, 2021 11:30 AM 2900 Sheridan Road Saint Louis, MO 63125