James R. Bowman, 90, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, at Lebanon Skilled Nursing & Rehab. Born on Nov. 30, 1935, in Lebanon, he was the son of the late George C. Bowman Sr. and Mamie Meyer Bowman.
A 1953 graduate of Lebanon High School, Jim spent his career manufacturing and painting recreational balls at the Lebanon Ball Company, which was located on East Cumberland Street in Lebanon. In his early years, he was active in a variety of sports, including tennis, basketball, and weight training, and he also enjoyed listening to and taping rock music of the 1950s and 1960s.
Later in life, Jim enjoyed caring for his home’s landscaping and large lawn, attending the many Bowman family picnics and gatherings, and doting on his beloved cats, Benny, Smokey, and Lucky, with whom he shared a combined total of 44 years of life. He was a devoted pet owner and a supporter of animal rights through the Humane Society of Lebanon County.
Jim was also an avid sports fan, especially football, baseball, and golf, and he was a long-time, die-hard follower of the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies.
Jim was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend who grew up in a close-knit family of 12 children. He is survived by a number of nieces and nephews, along with their children and grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Earl, Patrick, Herbert, and George Jr., and sisters, Alverta, Helen (Miller), Beatrice (Houtz), Mary (Reber), Grace (Hirschbock), Martha (Ebersole), and Jean (Henry), as well as several nieces and nephews.
In accordance with Jim’s wishes, there will be no public services. Internment will be at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to honor Jim’s memory are encouraged to make a contribution to the Humane Society of Lebanon County, 150 N. Ramona Road, Myerstown, PA 17067. Thompson Funeral Home Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family welcomes your memories and messages in Thompson Funeral Home’s online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.
