James Ilis Bowman of Imperial, Missouri, formerly of Cuba, Missouri, was born on Sept. 8, 1944 in St. Louis, Missouri to Ilis and Mildred (Chapman) Bowman and passed away Friday, May 1, 2026 at the age of 81 years.
He was raised by Victor and Elizabeth Bowman, whom he considered his parents.
James honorably served his country in the United States Army.
He married Elizabeth “Liz” (Weeks) Bowman.
James dedicated 24 years to National Cart Company in St. Charles, where he attained the position of Plant Manager. He also was an engineer in a Prototype Shop and with Air Systems, Inc.
He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and playing slot machines, with a notable knack for Scratchers.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elizabeth R. “Liz” Bowman; two brothers, William “Billy” and Lawrence Dale Bowman; grandson, Joseph Resinger; and dog, Mindy.
He is survived by his daughters, Michele Bowman of Imperial, Missouri and Tracey Smith of Collinsville, Illinois; four grandchildren, Carissa Resinger of Imperial, Missouri, James Minks of Illinois, Brittany Minks of House Springs, Missouri and Dustine Bowman of Florissant, Missouri; siblings, Victor Carlisle Bowman of St. Charles, Missouri, Ronald Lee Bowman of Hermann, Missouri, Carol Sue Bowman, Larry Bowman, and Jerry Bowman all of St. Louis, Missouri; nine great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba, Missouri with Pastor Todd Holman officiating.
Interment followed at Meramec Hills Cemetery in Cuba, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba, Missouri.
