The Richmond News, Sept. 6, 2024

Jim Bowman

Jimmie D. “Jim” Bowman, 88, of Stet passed away Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond. Jimmie was born Aug. 2, 1936, near Rockingham in rural Ray County, the son of Jim D. and Emma Hester (Rader) Bowman. He was united in marriage to Eleanor F. Kavanaugh of Regal on Aug. 17, 1955. She survives of the home.

Additional survivors include two sons, Bill (Sally) Bowman of St. Joseph and Tom Bowman (Sara Seidel) of Richmond; and three grandchildren, Jessica (Kyle) Krawitz, Eric (Sara) Bowman and Samuel Bowman (Taylor Gooch). Other survivors include five greatgrandchildren: Kole Krawitz, Kaydin Krawitz, Kynslee Krawitz, Kasen Krawitz and Brody Bowman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Robert Bowman and Harold Bowman; and four sisters, Frances White, Virginia Robinson, Louise Robinson and Anne Reade.

Jimmie was reared and educated in his hometown, beginning his education at a small country school before attending Central School in Rockingham. He graduated in 1954 from Stet High School. The same year, Jimmie enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War, stationed along the Panama Canal as a radar operator.

After his military service, Jimmie moved to California, where he worked for Convair, a defense contractor specializing in aircraft. He contributed his skills to the radar systems for those planes, a role he held while his two sons were born.

In 1961, after his contract with Convair had ended, Jimmie returned to his roots, embarking on a career in agriculture in the Stet area. He initially farmed with his father-in-law and later worked at the Stet Milling Co. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase and operate Jim’s Seed Cleaning, a seed cleaning plant at the elevator, until his retirement in 2001. Jimmie’s deep connection to rural Missouri and the farming lifestyle was a source of pride.

He was an active member of the Ray County Veterans Honor Guard for 25 years, many of which he served as squad leader.

Jimmie’s passions included hunting, fishing and fastpitch softball, which he excelled at as a pitcher. His love for the sport carried into his role as a Little League coach for both of his sons. He was an avid supporter of his family’s sporting events and a devoted fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.

The family suggests no memorials or flowers. Private family graveside services will be held Friday, Sept. 6, in Wakenda Cemetery, north of Hardin. Jimmie was to lay in state 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.

Please share your memories of Jimmie with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.