Obituary of John "Jim" Thomas Bowie

John “Jim” Thomas Bowie, 84, of Columbia, SC, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2021. He woke up in the arms of Jesus with a whole healthy body after 17 years of Parkinson’s disease.

Jim was born on October 18, 1936 in Greenwood, SC to the Late Thomas Kirkland Bowie and Tabitha Gaynelle Blanchette Bowie.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Jenette Hinton, Betty Gregory and Juanita Brunson; his brother, Louie Bowie; and infant son Timothy Wayne Bowie.

Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marion Bowie; his children, Michael Bowie, Thomas Bowie (Angelia), Sandra “Sandy” Bowie; grandson, William “Billy” Bowie; 2 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jim served in the US Air Force from 1954-1958, then transferred to US Air Force National Guard, where he worked at Congaree Air Base, which is now McEntire Air National Guard Base in Eastover, SC. Chief Mast Sergeant Jim was a leader, an aircraft mechanic, and worked on engines with the people he loved like family he retired in 1994.

Jim was a member of Temple Baptist Church for over 50 years, where he was loved by all. He also served as Deacon for many years and was employed by Temple Baptist Church for 21 years.

Jim never met a stranger. He had the sweetest soul and enjoyed helping everyone from tinkering with mechanical repairs to sharing the word of God. He also enjoyed watching the night flights at McEntire Air Force Base, fishing with his sons, gardening, and spending time with family, especially on Sundays. 

To know him was to be loved by him. Goodbye my beloved husband, Dad, Granddad.

Jim’s final thoughts, “Are you Ready to meet God? If not, why? To spend eternity with him. When it is your time to leave this earth.”

Due to Covid, the family will have a private memorial service at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Temple Baptist Church, 806 Universal Drive, Columbia, SC 29209.