Mr. James R. Bowers, 91, of Rochester, passed away at 4:56 AM, Sunday, October 15 , 2017 at Woodlawn Hospital.

On April 8 , 1926, James was born in Winamac to George Washington Bowers and Hazel Heater Bowers. He shared his childhood with three sisters and two brothers.

In 1944, Jim answered the call of patriotism during World War II and served with the US Army Air Corp. In 1946, Cpl. James Bowers was honorably discharged.  While in the service he received his high school diploma in 1945.

Jim and Lois E. "Loie" Helms were married on June 3 , 1951 in the First Christian Church of Rochester. They have shared 66 years of life's adventures. Their union produced two daughters and three sons. Two more generations have been added to the family tree.

Jim was a member of the First Christian Church since 1940 where he served as a Deacon.  He was also a lifetime member of the Eagles Lodge #852.  As a machinist, Jim worked for the Sealed Power Corporation for 37 years.  A family man, Grandpa Po cherished the time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. They will all have great memories of the gravel pit camping site.  Jim enjoyed the outdoors, hunting for quail or rabbit and the Michigan trips to fish for salmon. Woodworking was a relaxing hobby. An avid bowler, Jim was very proud of his perfect 300 game.

Left to cherish the memories of Jim with his wife, Loie are five children: John Bowers and wife JoAnn of Rochester, RuthAnn Ravencroft and husband Tim of Rochester, Joe Bowers and wife Terri of Rochester, Sue Bowers of Sterling Heights, MI, Jay Bowers and wife Cindy of Denver; twelve grandchildren: Phillip Bowers and wife Lesley, Ross Bowers and partner Tim, Joe Bowers and wife Kate, Lyndee Duhnovsky and husband Shawn, Jacob Smith and wife Michelle, Joshua Smith and wife Sumer, Nick Bowers and fiancé Laura, Amy Bowers, Mitch Bowers and wife Brita, Marc Bowers and wife Heather, Jaci France and husband Lee, Cori Knight and husband Michael; 22 great grandchildren, with another blessing soon to arrive; a sister, June Weber of Akron; and  nieces and nephews.

Preceding Jim in death are his parents, and siblings: George Bowers, Mary Jane Bowell, Carolyn Wynn and Gerald Bowers.

Grandson, Joshua Smith will officiate services. Military rites will be conducted by the Fulton County Veteran's Honor Guard and the US Army Honors Team.

Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.