James Martin Bowden

August 31, 1940 - May 22, 2022

James Martin Bowden – “Jim” James Martin Bowden “Jim”, entered into eternal rest at the age of 81 on May 22, 2022 in Leesburg, FL. He was born on August 31, 1940 in Duluth, MN. He graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1958 and later received a B.S. degree in Industrial Arts at the University of Minnesota Duluth. He retired from Westvaco in 2002. James is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 64 years, Sharon Lee (Lindblom) Bowden, daughter Pamela Jean (Bowden) Snikeris of Exton, PA, son James Martin Bowden, Jr of Indianapolis, IN, sisters Judith Ann (Bowden) Kay of Salt Lake City, UT, Linda Joy (Bowden) Bryant (Don) of Duluth, MN, brother Jeffrey Charles Bowden (Jamie) of McGregor, MN. He is also survived by his grandchildren Joseph James Snikeris (Devon) of Ashuelot, NH and Jaclyn Marie Snikeris of Downingtown, PA and great grandson Cameron Joseph Snikeris. He is preceded in death by his parents James Edward Bowden and Esther (Martinson) Pederson and stepfather John Pederson. He was a member of Masonic Blue Lodge #78 where he was a 32nd degree Mason, Indianapolis Valley Scottish Rite, and Murat Shrine. He was also a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles #4273 of Okahumpka, FL. Besides his enduring love for his family, Jim loved dogs and trained Labrador Retrievers for many years. He was a member of many Hunting and Retriever Clubs in New York, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Florida. In his lifetime he was the proud owner of 11 Labs. Jim’s other passions were hunting and fishing. And he was a master at both. He loved the beauty, peace and serenity of nature that surrounded him when he was outdoors. Jim was a loyal, caring friend, to many with friendships that have lasted throughout his lifetime. Everyone that knew him loved him for his kindness, positive outlook, sense of humor and his lust for life. He will forever hold a place in the hearts of the people that knew him. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 28th 2022 from 1:00-3:00pm at the Lake County Eagle’s #4273, in Okahumpka, FL