Obituary: Bowman, James J. “Jim”
Age 68
“Jim” June 18, 1945- November 6, 2013 Passed from our sight on November 6, 2013 at Hospice House of Spokane after a lengthy and arduous battle with lung cancer and its complications.
Jim was born in Spokane on June 18, 1945 to Joe and Gen Bowman and was raised on the north side on Empire Avenue attending St. Xavier’s Grade School, Gonzaga Prep and graduating from Rogers High School in 1963.Growing up, Jim’s first “love” was for his German Shepherd (Toby) who oftentimes would sit on the school steps of St. Xavier waiting for his master!
Before moving onto the next love of his life, Alaska, Jim was a co-owner of the Silver Pheasant bar on North Division with longtime friend Joe Schumaker.
It was then off to Alaska and the sea where Jim became a commercial fisherman, first out of Cordova, then Homer and eventually settling in Whittier on Prince Edward Sound.
In the process he endured strong seas, lost part of a thumb and a fishing boat, but his love of the sea never left him.
His family could never forget the short trip on his fishing boat, the “Sunward” through the Ballard Locks and into Elliot Bay in Seattle.
After arriving in Alaska he met his next love, Lisa, his son’s mother and from that relationship, his son Josh was born, himself now a commercial fisherman in Alaska and California.
While living in Alaska, Jim became a fisherman, marine repair mechanic, and cook with a fondness for smoking salmon.
In his last years in Alaska he worked for the city of Whittier, Public Works Department, until in 2006 he moved to Coeur d’Alene and then to Deer Park, Washington after an unforgettable trip to Ireland with his family in 2000, a dream come true!
Always an avid football fan (Seahawks) and baseball fan (Mariners) he spent his last few years fighting for his life and yet appreciated each and every day he had left on this earth.
He lived an ordinary yet extraordinary life.
He will be greatly missed.
Jim is survived by his son Josh Herschlib (Jessica), Neah Bay, Washington, his sister Susan Manley of Redmond, his brother John and sister-in-law Janet Bowman of Spokane, nieces Annie Bowman, Jennifer Sharp and Shannon McKinney, all of the Seattle area and his nephew Peter Bowman of Spokane.
Their family is especially grateful for the compassionate care of nurses at Hospice House of Spokane and his extraordinary care giver, Linda Bauman, of Deer Park.
Per Jim’s request no services will be held.
Please visit Jim’s online memorial at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements entrusted to