April 14, 2020 – West Bend, WI – James “Jim” Bowerman, 82, of West Bend passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2020 at the New Perspective in West Bend.
He was born on March 9, 1938 to the late Leonard and Betty (nee Reif) Bowerman in Milwaukee WI. He grew up in South Milwaukee and moved to West Bend in 1954. Jim graduated from West Bend High School and went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree from Carroll College in Waukesha.
He was in the Army Reserves for six years. In 1963, he was united in marriage to Jeri Waite at Immanuel United Church of Christ in West Bend.
Jim worked at First State Bank of West Bend continuing through changes in banking to Marine Bank and Bank One. He retired in 2000 to play golf almost daily in the summer.
Jim was very active in the community and spent 20 years with the UWWC Foundation, Art Museum Foundation, and Columns Scholarship Committee. He was involved with numerous other groups including the West Bend Police and Fire Commission, and in 1974 he served as chair of the West Bend United Way. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Those Jim leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Jeri Bowerman; two children, Steve (Becky) Bowerman of Lakeville, MN and Dan (Renee) Bowerman of Richfield, WI; four grandchildren, Nikki (Bradyn) Daniels, Beth Bowerman, Trevor Bowerman, and Preston Bowerman; and many friends.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents.
Due to current restrictions, a private service and burial will be held for Jim’s family.
Please consider signing our online guest book (www.myrhum-patten.com) to share your condolences with the family. Cards addressed to the family may be sent in care of: Myrhum – Patten Funeral and Cremation Service, 1315 W. Washington Street, West Bend, WI 53095.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at New Perspective for all their help and care.
So sorry for your loss Jeri. I am praying for you and your family during these solitary times. Hope you are comforted knowing he is in a better place with God.
Play that piano. Record a few favorites and share please if you wish.
Lara Nothem
Dear Jeri. I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing just a few weeks ago. On a “lark” I typed his name into the search bar and found the sad news. We were fraternity brothers at Carroll and I don’t think I saw him until meeting both of you at our 2010 Carroll 50th reunion. He was still the great nice person he was during our classmate days. We’re all in our 80’s now so this kind of news is too often repeated. Take care of yourself. Stay safe. Your husband was a fine man of accomplishments. You and your boys are his biggest legacy.