Arthur James (Jim) Bowie Jr. |
| Posted 2025-05-10 by Sharla |
| Wickenburg Funeral Home & Crematory Wickenburg, Arizona Arthur Bowie June 11, 1942 — May 7, 2025 Arthur James Bowie Jr (Jim) died at home, surrounded by family, on May 7, 2025 at 82 years old. He was born June 11, 1942 in Williams, AZ, the first child of Arthur James Bowie Sr (Art) (deceased) and Catherine Pouquette (deceased). He had a younger sister, Karen (deceased) and was a lifelong resident of Arizona. He married Sherry Stephens November 10, 1962 and they were blessed with 5 children: Sheretta (deceased), June (Chuck), Jimmy (Angela), Beaver (Erika), and Yvette (Shawn). And though they ended their marital ties, they always remained family. On January 18, 1981 Jim married Janet Jones in a package deal, getting not only his forever bride, but a new daughter, Jessica, as well. Jim and Janet then rounded out the Bowie clan with the arrival of Chester. New acquaintances of the Bowie's are often surprised at the beautiful blended family dynamic between Sherry, her husband Doug (deceased), and Jim and Janet, but friends know that it's a testament to their love, character, and commitment to family. Jim had many jobs, but "never went a day without being employed." He started off working for his grandmother Pouquette's Red Hill Cattle and Sitgreaves Sheep Co's, he then spent some time at the Kingman Copper and Duvall turquoise mines. He stepped into law enforcement with the Peoria police department, and also worked for the Highway department in Mohave County and was part of the Arizona Highway Dept survey crew (on your next trip to Vegas try spotting "Bowie Rd" while on US-93 going through Golden Valley). He moved on to his favorite job of all, a cowboy for Thurman Mayes. Though he loved it, it was tough to support his family on cowboy wages, and when the bathroom sink froze off the wall one winter, it was the last straw. He packed up the family, moved back into town and started working for the Cocino County Sheriff's Dept. keeping one foot in the cowboy life with rodeo events. Before the great migration from Williams to Wickenburg in 1978, Jim started his final career with Santa Fe Railroad, and stayed with them until retirement as a Track Supervisor. Jim was a family man, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was also a true and loyal friend. He can be best described as "old school"; a good man, tough but fair, generous, well loved, with a clear sense of right and wrong, and a work ethic passed down to his family. He loved telling a good story, danced whenever he got the chance, and loved to sing. (If a Mariachi band was around, he wouldn't miss the chance to join in the serenade.) Jim much preferred the great outdoors to sitting around inside. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and hunting, with Elk Camp in Williams being a favorite. And you could often find him playing a round of golf, both for love of the game and socializing. Jim and Janet got their scuba licenses and embarked on some great travel adventures (an upgrade from the family vacations that often had disastrous starts but make for fantastic stories.) He had a deep love for the Grand Canyon and spent most anniversaries with Janet there. He also went on multiple hiking trips, both with Janet and his sister Karen and brother-in-law Mike, and boys' trips with his 3 sons. Jim grew up Catholic but made the decision to convert to the Mormon church to join his love, Janet and continue his spiritual journey. To their mutual delight they were sealed together at the Phoenix Temple (or as Jim liked to call it he "got tied up with her"). Jim leaves a legacy of love, laughter, adventure, and memories, and he will be terribly missed, leaving a hole that won't be filled until the joyous day that we are reunited with him in Heaven. He is survived by his wife, 6 children, 17 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and many other beloved family. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, daughter, and granddaughter Zoe. Please join us for his service on Thursday, May 15th at 4:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ("Mormon" church) located at 65 N Lazy Fox Dr, Wickenburg, AZ 85390. All are welcome. See Also: Find A Grave |
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