James Robert Bowman

November  23rd, 1961 September  24th, 2024
Boynton Beach, FL
James Robert Bowman

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.

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Memory wall

Please share your Memories, so they can live on..


November 1, 2024
I want to send my deepest and heartfelt condolences to my shipmate Jimmy's family and friends. I knew him as a high achiever and also a man that was relatable to all people. He served as a fine example of a person that made contributions wherever he went. His adventuresome spirit led him to travel around the world and he shared his great spirt and memories with us all. Jimmy legacy will live on through the wonderful friendships he developed and his love and talent for music. He was instrumental in my life, and I will be forever grateful for him. May the memories shared bring some sense of peace and comfort to all that have been affected by his untimely passing. Let's let his passing be a reminder of how we can make a contribution each day and live life to the fullest in memory of our dear friend Jimmy. Peace be with you all.
Joe Walsh
October 24, 2024
I recently learned of the passing of an old friend Jim Bowman better known as - The Singing Sailor.

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.
BG(CT) Ret William Shea
October 22, 2024
He seemed to be at every event with a smile and a hand shake the last I saw him we exchanged coins mine will have Navy Hospital Corpsman on it
Lay aside your oar shipmate end of watch has come
RIP
Charles F Stark
October 17, 2024
singing sailor, James Bowman
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.
Giuseppe friedman
October 16, 2024
Jim and I met at Tropical acres steakhouse while he was doing The Legends Gig. We started talking and had so much in common. He loved to hear about diving and see pictures with Mel Fisher and hanging with Bon Jovi band when I was younger. He had a zest for traveling and diving the world. Jim loved the Masons Lodge and would dress his best at every chance he got. He was an officer and a gentleman ! I wont ever forget he always sent me a xmas card and bday card every year, Im gonna miss ya Jimbo !
joe gorda
October 16, 2024
I am so sorry that I am not able to attend the Memorial service for Jim. My thoughts, memories, and prayers are with all of you. Jim was like a son to me and a big brother to my kids, (Robin and Mark), we lived next door to Anne, and the boys in Navy Housing in Groton, CT.
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
Maryjane Hadley
October 16, 2024
I served in the US Navy with Jim. I’m in a state of shock as he was soooo full of life. I love to sing as well, so we shared that in common. He always had a great attitude and was an exemplary officer.
Brenda Steele MacCrimmon
October 15, 2024
Met Jim in the customs line entering Cozumel Mexico a few years back. As strangers we found each other joining the same dive group for the coming week. We had a great trip and many great dives. Over the next few years we crossed paths a few times in South Florida. Always enjoyed his energy, his frendship and entertainment. He will be missed. Sorry I will be unable to attend but my prayers are with you. RIP
Darrin Francesconi
October 15, 2024
Met Jim in GTMO cerca 2001.

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.
Mark P Ewing
October 15, 2024
He was a great friend. I served with him in GTMO in 2002. I am crushed at his passing. He was a good person and a good friend. He will be missed
Eric carlson
October 15, 2024
Jim , you are more a son than a nephew , a part of me has been
torn away 💔 I know that by God’s grace you are eternally at peace with Dad , Steven , Sam and Justin . 💕🙏
Harry Bowman
October 15, 2024
I remember Jim from Leadership Palm Beach County 2013 and later on, he helped me by performing at a charity event for the Junior League of Boca Raton. Then, just last year, I saw him at a Club 45 meeting. He was on stage singing away and I took video and sent him my pictures. We were on the opposite side of the stage so we spoke through WhatsApp and said hello virtually. We also went diving one time, and he was fanatical about his artifacts. His love of Colombia and her ladies always made us laugh! Rest easy friend x May the Perpetual light of God shine upon you forever!
Diana & Miguel Carvajal
October 15, 2024
What a man of men. This is coming with a heavy heart and tear filled eyes. How a man can have such an incredible impact on so many. Let alone the person he was singer sailer was my friend! He loved to dive for treasure as the place I met him. Aboard the Hook C-12 searching for the 1715 lost shipwreck fleet. He came out many times and we had plans to go dive soon but now we will dive in the heavens together. I love you my friend! RIP
Troy Throop

Service


Please join us to pay a last tribute.
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.
Location
St. Jospeh’s Episcopal Church
3300 S Seacrest Blvd
Boynton Beach, FL 33435
Date/time
November 9th 2024, 11am
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