James R. Bowman, 90, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at Lebanon Skilled Nursing & Rehab. Born on November 30, 1935 in Lebanon, he was the son of the late George C. Bowman, Sr. and Mamie Meyer Bowman.

A 1953 graduate of Lebanon High School, Jim spent his career manufacturing and painting recreational balls at the Lebanon Ball Company, which was located on East Cumberland Street in Lebanon. In his early years, he was active in a variety of sports, including tennis, basketball and weight training and also enjoyed listening to and taping rock music of the 1950s and 1960s.

Later in life, Jim enjoyed caring for his home's landscaping and large lawn, attending the many Bowman family picnics and gatherings and doting on his beloved cats Benny, Smokey and Lucky, with whom he shared a combined total of 44 years of life. He was a devoted pet owner and a supporter of animal rights through the Humane Society of Lebanon County.

Jim was also an avid sports fan, especially football, baseball and golf and was a long-time, die-hard follower of the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies.

Jim was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend who grew up in a close-knit family of twelve children. He is survived by a number of nieces and nephews, along with their children and grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Earl, Patrick, Herbert and George, Jr. and sisters Alverta, Helen (Miller), Beatrice (Houtz), Mary (Reber), Grace (Hirschbock), Martha (Ebersole) and Jean (Henry), as well as several nieces and nephews.

In accordance with Jim's wishes, there will be no public services. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to honor Jim's memory are encouraged to make a contribution to the Humane Society of Lebanon County , 150 North Ramona Road, Myerstown, PA 17067. Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements.  The family welcomes your memories and messages in our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com