James E. Bowen Sr.

Jim was born in Tazewell, VA to H.S. and Maurice Wilson Bowen. Growing up working on the family farm, he learned the importance of hard work and service to your family and community; traits that formed the foundation of his life. After graduating from Tazewell High School and Virginia Tech, he went to work for the Virginia Department of Forestry where he had a distinguished 40-year career culminating with his service as the Deputy State Forester. In addition to his civilian career, Jim proudly served in the Virginia Army National Guard for 20 years as an Infantry Company Commander and Battalion Staff Chemical Officer.

While at Virginia Tech, Jim married his high-school sweetheart, Linda (Lockhart) Bowen, the first great love of his life. Over their 33 years together they raised three sons and built a life together that Jim cherished until the end. After Linda died, Jim met his second great love, Rhonda (Reger) Bowen. Together he and Rhonda loved RV camping around the country and wintering in Florida and spent many summers taking their grandchildren camping.

Jim found great joy in the large and small adventures life had to offer. He never met a stranger and built a large network of friends and even more grand tales. Jim was happiest spending time on his family farm, especially when he had his children and grandchildren there working beside him. Additionally, he spent many summers on his tree farm with his sons and friends and looked forward to his time on the New River with close friends fishing and exchanging stories. He was a member of the New Market Eagles Club where he enjoyed meeting with his friends and was a faithful member of the Manor Memorial United Methodist Church.

He touched the lives of everyone around him and was always the first to offer a helping hand to family, friends, and strangers alike. He believed in finding the best in people and helping them to become the best versions of themselves. While he will be deeply missed, he left the world a better place and a part of him lives on in the hearts of everyone he touched during his life.

Jim leaves behind his wife, Rhonda Bowen, his sons James “Jim” Bowen Jr. and Jason “Eric” Bowen, his nephew William “Ryan” Sillers, and his stepson Sean McDonald. He was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather to nine grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, as well as a loving brother to his sisters Charlene and Phyllis, all of whom brought immense joy to his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, H.S. and Maurice Bowen, and his first wife, Linda.

There will be a Memorial Service at Tazewell Presbyterian Church on September 7th, 2024, beginning at 2:15PM followed by an interment at Maplewood Cemetery. After the services, the family will be hosting a celebration of Jim’s life at the Bowen Family Farm in Wittens Mill; all are welcome to attend. Please contact Jim Bowen, Jr. at [email protected] with any questions.