James Michael Bowman

James ‘Mike’ Michael Bowman, 78, a resident of Metropolis, Illinois and former resident of Aurora, Illinois was called to God Tuesday, June 11, 2024 due to complications from exposure to Agent Orange during his military service in Vietnam. Mike was born April 29, 1946 in Metropolis, Illinois. He was the elder of four children born to James K. and Naomi (Burklow) Bowman. Mike is survived by his best friend Barb Gomora and fur baby Dottie, children Michelle (Richard) Patsch of Montgomery, Illinois, Connie Lynn Bowman (Abel) of Metropolis, Illinois, Scott Michael Bowman of Metropolis, Illinois; sisters Rita (John) Housewright of Metropolis, Illinois, Patty Heflin of San Antonio, Texas, brother Richard (Darla) Bowman of Metropolis, Illinois. Mike was the loving grandfather of Ashley Bowman, Alex Cepeda, Christian (Emma) Cepeda, Caleb Patsch, Thomas Bowman, Mars ‘Emma’ Patsch, Michaela Bowman, Evangelina Bowman and Michael Raley as well as several nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren. Mike was proceeded in death by his parents. Mike was a member of the graduating class of 1965 from Batavia High School. He attended Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, Illinois. Mike served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1969. He was honorably discharged with the rank of SP5. Mike was a member of the American Legion Post 306 in Metropolis, Illinois. Mike was employed as a machinist and machine builder by Belden Research in Geneva, Illinois. He also worked as a bus driver for Shawnee Mass Transit Service, Paducah Area Transit Service and the Franklin School area bus driver. Mike was a skilled leather craft artisan. He enjoyed collecting cowboy memorabilia and antique cap guns. Mike was also a War of 1812 reenactor and a member of the Friends of Fort Massac. A graveside service will be held Saturday morning, June 29, 2024 at 10 A.M. at Mt. Zion Cemetery, 27 Mount Zion Church Road, Eddyville, Illinois. John Housewright will officiate. Military graveside honors will be accorded. Those attending the service are invited to gather at the cemetery at 9:45 A.M. on Saturday, June 29, 2024. Memorials in Mike’s name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 223 Rosa L Parks Ave Suite 301, Nashville, Tennessee 37203.

James Michael Bowman

April 29, 1946 - June 11, 2024