Mr. James "Jim" C. Bowley Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

We celebrate the life of James (Jim) Clay Bowley, who passed away peacefully on June 25, 2022, just two weeks shy of his 96th birthday. Jim’s life contained many chapters. Born on July 8, 1926, in Corpus Christi, Texas, he was raised by two strong women -- his mother Agnes and Aunt Ruth – in San Antonio. Jim enlisted in the final year of WWII and served in the Pacific. He graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio and attended King’s Point Merchant Marine Academy in New York, launching his long naval career which culminated in service as a Lieutenant Commander during Korea. Jim earned a master’s degree and began a career with the YMCA, beginning in San Antonio and moving to St. Louis, where he met his wife, Carol. The two moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin, in 1974 for Jim to take the job of President of the Green Bay YMCA, which grew from one to four branches during his 16-year tenure. Green Bay became their long-term home. In addition to YMCA leadership, Jim served in numerous community roles, including as District Governor of Rotary District 622 and moderator of Union Congregational UCC. His many loves included travel (having visited over 40 countries), classical music, good (long) books, sailing, sunsets over the Bay, cheering on the Packers, a decent Scotch, making enchiladas, but above all else spending quality time with family and friends. Jim and Carol built deep relationships with friends in Green Bay, especially through church, that lasted nearly 50 years. They also spent 10 lovely winters in Green Valley, Arizona. For the last six years of life, Jim lived in and near Portland, Oregon, to be close to daughter Flora. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Carol and brother Temple (Tom) Bowley. His survivors include daughters Erin Bowley (Jeremy Szopinski), Flora Shannon Bowley, and son James C. Bowley Jr. (Mary Provance-Bowley), along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gathering of family and friends will be held from 11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. on Friday, July 15, 2022, at Union Congregational UCC Church 716 S. Madison Street, Green Bay. A Funeral Service will be held at 12:30 P.M. with Rev. Bridget Flad Daniels officiating. Burial at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Greater Green Bay YMCA, Union Congregational Church, or Rotary International

Mr. James "Jim" C. Bowley

July 8, 1926 - June 25, 2022