The song has ended, but the melody lingers on.
Obituary
James Robert Bowman, 63, born November 23rd 1961 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania passed away on Tuesday September 24th 2024 in Boynton Beach, Florida. He was the son of J. William Bowman and Anne Sorkin. He was survived by his mother Anne, his son James (Blake), grandkids Presley, Elisabeth, and Aidan, Uncle Harry, Aunt Dot McGinley (Brian) and former wife, Kelly. He was predeceased by his father J. William, step father Sam Sorkin, brother Stephen, and son Justin.
He earned a masters degree from Rutgers University in business and worked for the Federal Government in the Contract Department. He later worked for the FL Sheriff Youth Ranches as a Donor Relations Officer. He was active in the Boy Scouts, the republican party, and the Amara Shriners as well as being a brother Mason.
He served his country for 20 years in the US Navy Reserve where he retired as a Commander. Along with the title of Commander, he was an Executive Officer and had a one-year Presidential recall to Guantanamo Bay post 9/11.
James lived a life full of adventures including traveling the world from Italy to Australia and everywhere in between. He enjoyed diving with the Carribean Cowboys, treasure hunting, and much more. He has been singing throughout his entire life, where he was known as "The Singing Sailor". He had a heart for singing
Sinatra, Valli, Darrin, Jones, and Martin - the true icons of the Rat Pack era.
Sending Flowers
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Amara Shriners Patient Transportation Fund. Send checks in Memory of James R Bowman to Amara Shriners, P.O. Box 30335, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, 33420.
Gallery
Memory wall
I am truly shocked. Jim and I have been friends for over 50 years. We were Scouts in Boy Scout Troop 2 in Mystic, CT together. We went to the June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation in Ashford, CT for Summer Camp together and shared a tent each year. We worked together as Golf Caddies at Fishers Island Country Club, Fishers Island, NY. We went fishing together - local streams and rivers. One time we caught a rare "Blue Lobster" in the Mystic River. We cooked it and ate it! Jim had developed his love for fishing at an early age, which he continued for his entire life.
We went to Cutler Junior High School together and graduated from Saint Bernard High School together in the Class of 1980. We were on the Indoor and Outdoor Track teams together. His family lived 8 houses up the road from my family. We did things together all the time.
While we went separate ways for college and in our careers and life, we always remained friends and stayed in touch. Jim joined the Navy at 30 years old. I had started my military career earlier than he did and put my Scouting camping skills to work in the Army. In 2014, I had the honor of participating in his retirement ceremony aboard the Battleship New Jersey. Here is a photo of Jim and me at his retirement ceremony. Jim had arranged for me to be piped aboard the USS New Jersey, a unique honor for an Army Officer.
He will be missed. My condolences to Jim's entire family.
Fair winds and following seas, Commander. You stand relieved. We have the watch.
Lay aside your oar shipmate end of watch has come
RIP
We suffered a great loss, but heaven has gained an angel, You was a man of many qualities and talents, I remember we were at many times Jimmy Buffett concerts and you were his #1 fan.
Many times you went with your beautiful ex-wife and faithful partner Kelly Bowman. That love of yours was great and true.
I feel privileged to be your friend and share many adventures with you...
See you later, friend
with love Giuseppe
we will miss you.
It is so sad and devastating to think that he is no longer here. He was an excellent, son, brother, nephew, father and grandfather, as well an excellent citizen and Officer. I keep thinking I am going to wake up and find out that this was just a crazy nightmare. My heart breaks for Anne, his son Jimmy his grandchildren and uncle. I have never seen so much tragedy in anyone’s life as this family has suffered. May God’s mercy and peace rest up all who are left behind and may God’s peace and mercy rest upon Jim’s soul as he is with Jesus now. We will see him again, in Heaven!!!!!
Love and Blessings, MaryJane
He was an excellent dive buddy and organized many fun events.
I will certainly miss his Facebook posts of his worldwide travel adventures.
God bless him and his family.
Sorry to not be able to attend services from my overseas home.
torn away 💔 I know that by God’s grace you are eternally at peace with Dad , Steven , Sam and Justin . 💕🙏
Service
We will come together to remember and pay tribute to a truly wonderful person. While we mourn the loss of James R Bowman, we also aim to cherish the moments shared and the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection. Celebration of life will be held following the service at he church hall.
3300 S Seacrest Blvd
Boynton Beach, FL 33435