"To the Bower girls... Debbie, Pam and Cheryl... so sorry to hear about your dad?s passing. My sympathy to you and your family. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Deb Huttenburg "
In loving memory of
James Henry Bower
January 18, 1933 - December 19, 2020
James Henry (Jim) Bower passed away at Blessing Hospital, December 19, 2020, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Norma (Houston) Bower.
Jim was born January 18, 1933 in Quincy, IL to Florence (Wisman) and Henry Bower. He attended grade school at St. Francis and graduated in 1950 from Christian Brothers High School in Quincy, IL. Jim was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Francis Solanus Parish. On January 9, 1999 he married Norma Houston in the St. Francis Solanus Chapel at Quincy University.
From High School, Jim felt a calling to serve our nation and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He attended the U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL. After this, he was stationed at the Naval Missile Test Center in Point Mugu, CA where he was the station storekeeper. While at Point Mugu, Jim played on the football team and in 1953 played an integral part on the Undefeated & Champion of the Eleventh Naval District of Northern CA football team. Jim completed his Naval commitment in 1954 and went on to the University of Tulsa where he played football for two years before transferring to the University of Illinois where he earned his B.S. in Education, graduating with high honors in 1958 and in 1962, his Master of Education degree. In 1956 he married Ruth Thenhaus, of which eight children were born to that union.
Jim was a very proud, popular teacher, teaching in Franklin, IL and Teutopolis, IL before accepting a teaching position with Quincy College in 1968. His involvement at Quincy College spanned several different areas. Jim was the Associate Professor of Education, he served as Dean of Students for several years, and as the Chairman of the Athletic Committee. Mr. Bower, as he was known by his students, was very fair yet very firm. It was not uncommon for students to spend the holidays with the Bowers if they were unable to go home. Many students ate many meals around the Bower table.
Education was very important to Jim, as he continued to learn and to better himself. He earned his Education Specialist Degree from Western Illinois University in 1970. In 1972, Jim was selected as an Outstanding Educator in America. In 1976 and 1977, Jim was selected to the National Register of Prominent Americans and International Notables. Being involved with education and in the community was his passion. Jim was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, the Mart Heinen Club, the Elks, the Knights of Columbus, and the Moose Lodge. Jim's children established the Jim Bower Education Scholarship, at Quincy University, in his honor in 2014.
Jim accomplished so much over the years. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family. Along with his responsibilities at Quincy College, Jim refereed area football and basketball games, and then several years later oversaw the Receiving Department at Forbes Clothiers. Jim enjoyed flying and had his private Pilot's license. He enjoyed many winters and then full years living and playing golf in New Port Richey, FL, before coming back to Quincy full time in 2016.
Jim is also survived by his very devoted children, Debbie (Paul) LeBlanc of Downers Grove, IL, Pam (Kendall) Bailey of Liberty, MO, Julie Anderson of Quincy, Terry (Rhonda) Bower of Quincy, Cheryl (Larry) Ely of Quincy, Karen (Brent) Dade of Shorewood, IL, and Tom (Jill) Bower of Modesto, CA, his brother Paul Bower of Quincy, his sister Frances (Larry) Scheufele of Springfield, IL, 18 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, three step children, Stephanie (Curt) Bennett, Shayne Houston, and Kristi (Ken) Gilbert, and their families. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter, Mary, his second wife, Sue Hawkins Bower, her daughter Nicole Hawkins, his brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Donna Bower, his son-in-law, Stan Anderson, and grandson-in-law, Wentric Williams II.
James was cremated per his wishes. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Jim Bower Education Scholarship at Quincy University. Nothing would make Jim prouder than to see students able to carry on their passion for teaching.
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
www.hansenspear.com
Tributes
"Debbie, My deepest sympathy to you & your family on the passing of your Dad. Prayers during this difficult time. Mary Hoener Bauer"
"We were so sorry to learn of your father?s death. His deep, commanding voice is still in memory. When he spoke everyone listened. Please accept our condolences."
"Cheryl and the rest of the Bower family . You have our Deepest Sympathy. Don and Wanda O'Hara"
"Norma, so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad and difficult time "
"Norma, Sorry to read of Jim?s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"I am very saddened by this. My heart goes out to his children and his wife. I had the pleasure of getting to know and working with him last year.. I enjoyed his wit and humor.. always a greeting and a smile for me and through our brief time I knew he was a man of integrity, respect, compassion With a hige heart... he loved his family very much.. love, thoughts and prayers to all of you...God Bless "
"Cheryl and Julie so sorry to hear of your your families? loss. While not knowing your dad he sounds like an amazing gentleman. He did alright by you two and the rest of your siblings I am sure. Praying for all of you. "
"Thinking of the Bower Family. Larry and Linda Snyder"
"My deepest condolences to the family of Jim, he will be truly missed, may God grant you strength in the days ahead and may your memories provide you comfort. Teresa Myers "
"I have many fond memories of working with Jim at Quincy College. Our prayers are with you in this difficult time. Sincerely , Paul & Janise "