James R. Bowers Jr.

James Russell Bowers Jr., a respected attorney, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on April 6, 2025, after a brief illness. He was 76. A celebration of Jim’s life will be planned by the family at a future date.

Jim, as he was affectionately known, was born on March 30, 1949, in Fairfield, Iowa, and grew up in Le Mars. He was the son of Julie Harvey Bowers and James Russell Bowers. He was a talented athlete, participating in high school football and basketball. His summers were spent swimming, sailing, and water skiing at his family’s cherished lake home on Lake Okoboji - a place that always held his heart.

A proud graduate of the University of Iowa, member of Phi Kappa Psi and lifelong Iowa Hawkeye fan, Jim earned his Juris Doctor in 1974 and went on to practice law for nearly 50 years. As a founding partner of Brick Gentry Law Firm in Des Moines, Iowa, he was known for his tireless dedication, keen intellect, and deep sense of integrity. His clients trusted him. His colleagues admired him. His reputation was one of quiet excellence.

Outside the courtroom, Jim led a rich and full life. He was a passionate traveler who loved exploring new corners of the world with his family - the places he loved the most were Maui, Hawaii and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He ran several Dam to Dam half marathons, loved golfing, and all sports. A true foodie, he loved trying new restaurants - both at home and during his travels.

Jim retired from his law practice in 2022, spending his well-earned free time traveling, soaking in the joys of family life, and caring for his Airedale puppy, LuLu.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Jodie Bowers; his daughters, Heather Pride and her spouse, Russel, of Kansas City, Missouri, and Hana Kai Bowers, formerly of West Des Moines; his granddaughter, Sydney Pride, of Kansas City, Missouri; his brothers, Daniel Bowers and his spouse, Steven Weissman, of New York City, New York, and Peter Bowers and his spouse, Monika Fleshner, of Boulder, Colorado; his sister-in-law, Sherry Rogan and her spouse, Dave, of Ankeny, Iowa; as well as his beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Above all, Jim will be remembered for his humility, his kindness, and his unwavering devotion to those he loved. He had a quiet wisdom and a gentle strength that left a lasting impression on everyone he met.