A memorial open house for Jim will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on his 80th birthday, Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Christiana Creek (Elks) Country Club in Elkhart. Arrangements have been placed under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home in Elkhart.



Aug. 6, 1933 - July 4, 2013

ELKHART — James H. "Jim" Bowers, 79, of Elkhart, passed away Thursday, July 4, 2013, at Elkhart General Hospital.

He was born Aug. 6, 1933, in Elkhart to James B. and Dolphy (Habelt) Bowers. Jim was a 1951 graduate of Elkhart High School and a 1955 graduate of Manchester College. He was called from reserve duty to active status to serve in the U.S. Army.

Jim married the love of his life Barbara "Barb" Jacobson on May 29, 1956, in Elkhart.

He was preceded in death by his wife Barb of 54 years, his parents James and Dolphy Bowers, and his daughter, Alice M. Dutton.

Surviving are his sons James K. "Jim" (Dianne) Bowers of Elkhart and Robert H. "Bob" (David Feyesh) Bowers of South Bend; son-in-law Randy (Alice) Dutton; three grandchildren, Chris M. (Kristin) Dutton, Matthew R. (Leann) Dutton of Goshen and Madison C. Bowers of Elkhart; and three great-grandchildren, Cole M. Dutton, Kaelyn M. Dutton, Ava G. Dutton. He is also survived by his faithful dog, Curly.

Jim worked for the Homan Lumber Company for 54 years. He was a long time member of Elkhart Elks Lodge 425. Jim was a real estate broker and a licensed private pilot. He also enjoyed flying remote control model airplanes as a member of Flightmasters RC club.

In keeping with Jim's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will not be a funeral service.

Please join with his family and friends as we celebrate his life on his 80th birthday with an open house from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Christiana Creek Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Humane Society of Elkhart County.

To share a condolence or memory of Jim, visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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