James "Jim" Bowen

James "Jim" Bowen, of Americus passed away at the age of 88 peacefully at Lillian Carter Nursing Facility on February 1, 2023. He was born to the late Ed and Sue Thomas Bowen on December 18, 1934 in Sumter County. He graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in forest management and also played baseball where he was later drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals farm team. He began his forest ranger career in Dooly County. He was then transferred to Terrell County where he was the youngest forest ranger in the state. While serving as a forest ranger he also served in the Georgia National Guard. After some time with the forestry commission he accepted a position within the Americus Police Department where he served as an officer and later as Chief of Police for a number of years. He went on to found Jim Bowen Insurance Agency where he retired. He enjoyed traveling, golf, The Andy Griffith Show, and Paul Harvey programs. Most of all he loved his wife of nearly 62 years. His love for his family was unmatched. Mr. Bowen fondly spent a lot of time reminiscing about all of the practical jokes he played on his friends over the years. He is survived by his wife Margie Bowen of Americus; two children: Lisa Aaron of Cartersville, GA and Eric (Connie) Bowen of Topinabee, Michigan; seven grandchildren: Erica (Brad) Jones, Dustin (Whitney) Bowen, Lindsey (Nic) Aaron, TJ (Tiffany) Bowen, Cody (Mandy) Aaron, Morgan (Micheal) Hambrick, and Matthew (Ashley) Bowen; and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Bill (Barbara) Bowen of Americus. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son Steve Bowen. Funeral services are planned for 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 4, from the graveside at Oak Grove Cemetery, with Rev. Clyde Grimsley officiating. Friends may call at Hancock Funeral Home on Friday evening between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 PM, and at other times at the family residence, 154 W Shore Drive in Americus. For those wishing to do so, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online at www.stjude.org To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences to the family, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements for James "Jim" Bowen.