James F. Bowers

James Frank Bowers, age 65 of Mishawaka, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, December 20, 2019 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family.  Jim was born January 1, 1954 in French Lick, Indiana to the late Frank C. & Crystal F. Bowers.  Jim was later adopted by his grandparents.  Jim served his country honorably in the US Marine Corps until his honorable discharge in March of 1974.  He later served several years with the National Guard. On May 12, 2001, he married Judy Boocher at the Cedar Road Missionary Church in Osceola.  They later celebrated their seventeenth anniversary by renewing their vows at the Elkhart County Community Baptist Church surrounded by their family and friends.

Judy survives, along with their daughters Jenny (Tharon) Smith of Elkhart, Stacy (Douglas Hershberger) Hartford of South Bend, and Kimberly (David) Smith of Osceola.  Jim is also survived by his seven grandchildren; Cody Hartford, Autumn Hartford, Bobby Hartford, Caitlin Smith, Emily Smith, Colton Smith, and Caleb Smith.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm Thursday, December 26, 2019 at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.  There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the 1:00 pm funeral service on Friday, December 27, 2019 at the Elkhart County Community Baptist Church in Elkhart, Indiana.  Pastor Ed Ritchie will officiate and interment and military honors will follow in Olive Cemetery, Elkhart.

Jim was employed for many years as an electrician with Steel Warehouse in South Bend and Gunnite Corporation in Elkhart until his retirement.   In his spare time, Jim enjoyed collecting train sets, and was a member of the New York Central Train Museum in Elkhart.  He also enjoyed vacationing in Tennessee with his wife Judy.

Jim was a member of Elkhart County Community Baptist Church where he enjoyed singing for the congregation.  Most of all, Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given through our website to the Bowers family to defray final expenses.  To light a virtual candle, leave a condolence for Judy and the family, or view Jim’s online video tribute, please follow the links provided on the Tribute Wall tab above.