Who do you look at as someone that has helped form who you are? Well, other than my Dad and family, Col James Bowers comes to mind first for me. As a sophomore in high school I meet Col Bowers, he amazed me with his career and high expectations. I was a little surprised how I reacted when I heard the news of his passing. Mad at myself for not staying in touch with him. However very grateful to have known him and learned from him. RIP Col.
Colonel (Airborne Ranger) James M. Bowers
U.S. Army Retired
Jim Bowers, also known as "Ranger Jim" and "Cowboy Jim", was born in a coal mining camp named Cassville, in West Virginia on August 14, 1930. The Angels recruited Jim for their “Ranger Patrol” on October 1, 2022 at his home in Spring Harbor, Columbus, Georgia. He was 92.
Jim was a strong and dedicated family man who was blessed with a sweet, beautiful and totally dedicated Army wife, Kathryn Gee Bowers, affectionately known as "Kacky". Jim and Kacky were married at Fort Riley, Kansas in 1956, and together they raised two exemplary sons, Jim Junior and Clarke.
After graduating from the University of West Virginia where he received a regular Army commission from ROTC, Jim served thirty proud years on active duty and commanded at each level from Platoon through Brigade. He served with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. He was immensely proud of his Airborne Wings and Ranger Tab, and his favorite and most rewarding assignment was Director of the Ranger Department from 1973-1977.
During his military career Jim received many service awards to include the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal "V" with 24 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge and Master Parachutist Badge. Jim also attended numerous military schools during his career to include the Army War College.
Upon retiring from active duty, he taught JR ROTC at Hardaway High School in Columbus, Georgia for ten years and then moved to Florida in 1993. He returned to Columbus in 2006.
In addition to his love for his family and country, Jim had a passion for the great outdoors and had a special adoration for animals. Some of his favorite hobbies were hunting, fishing, playing and hunting with his dogs, riding and driving his horses, water skiing and flying small airplanes.
Jim is survived by his two sons James Bowers, Jr. of Henderson, Nevada and Clarke Bowers of Dawsonville, Georgia.
Jim Junior and Clarke are planning a wonderful, uplifting Celebration of Life, for both Jim and their mother Kacky, which will be announced in the near future.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Paws Humane, 4900 Milgen Road, P.O. Box 8964, Columbus, Georgia 31908.
Online condolences may be made at www.vancebrooksfuneralhome.net.