James Bowling
Edwardsville |
James K. “Jim” Bowling, age 72 of Edwardsville, IL was born September 1, 1951, in Scottsburg, IN. He peacefully passed away August 15 after a prolonged illness at his residence, surrounded by his family.
Jim was a retired technical director at Anheuser-Busch. He obtained his bachelor's degree in fine arts and communications from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He enjoyed woodcarving (especially Santa carvings), fishing, restoring antique International Harvester tractors (red tractors only!), playing his dulcimer, and model train building. Jim loved camping with his family and traveling with his wife and dog in their RV. He loved going all out with custom Halloween decorations to the fright and delight of trick or treaters. He was a year-round Santa to any child that gave him a double take from the look of his fantastic Santa beard and jolly demeanor. He had a unique and irreverent sense of humor and style whose absence will be felt and missed by his friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen (nee McDaniel) Bowling; his older sister, Sandra “Sandy” Klopfer; his older brother, Robert “Bob” Bowling; a niece, Sherry Love; and sister-in-law, Rachel Bowling.
He leaves behind his loving wife Sabrina (nee Grotefendt) Bowling, whom he married July 28,1984; two children: Aaron Bowling and Emily (Ethan Riepl) Bowling; niece Robin (Micah) Blunt, Samantha Smugala, Nicole(Jared) Haukap, nephews Scott Klopfer, and Jordan Smugala who he held dear; great niece and nephew, Wyatt and Grace Blunt, who were like grandchildren to him; a great-great nephew, Liam Walker who we are thankful he was able to meet; a sister, Sharon Davis; sister-in-law, Shari Smugala; and two brothers-in-law: Dan Klopfer and Tom Smugala, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and their children.
Private services will be held, and a Celebration of Life is being planned for October. More details to follow later.
Memorials are suggested to the Saint Louis Zoo Wildcare Institute or The Gardens at SIUE which will be designated to the Donal Myer Arboretum and will be received at Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at barrywilsonfuneralhome.com.
Barry Wilson Funeral Home & Cremation Services
