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WILLIAMSBURG - James Vernon Bowman, Jr. was born on February 1, 1951, in Williamsburg Community Hospital, to Audrey Piggott Bowman and the late James Vernon Bowman, Sr. He departed this life on Wednesday, June 19, 2013, in Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, Williamsburg, Virginia. In 1969, he graduated from James Blair High School. After graduating from high school, he entered into the United States Marines Corps. At an early age, he joined New Zion Baptist Church, where he faithfully attended, before moving out of the area. "Buster" as he was known to his family and friends in Williamsburg, Virginia and as "Jimmy" by his friends in Washington, DC, was a jovial person who loved life and was most happy entertaining and feeding his family and friends. He was a great cook and was known everywhere for making his famous "macaroni and cheese". If it was known, when Jimmy Bowman and his friends from DC were coming to Virginia, many folks would be excited, because everyone knew it would be a great weekend in Croaker. He was a true lover of elephants, which is evident by the displayed in his home, with more than three hundred pieces, which included, statues, lamps, chandeliers, rugs, pictures, pillows, just to name a few. Later in life, he moved to Brooklyn, New York and resided with his "other family" and best friend/cousin, Emanuel Randall and the John Brown Family. A few years later, he ventured to Washington, DC and was employed as a Drafting Designer with the Washington Gas and Light Company. He retired with over thirty-one years of dedicated service. After his retirement, he started his own Catering Business. In 2006, Buster moved back to the Williamsburg area. He worked part-time for Whiting's Funeral Home. He cherished this job because he enjoyed being around people and helping them. He was also predeceased in death by his grandparents, Clarence and Celestine Outten, James and Evelyn Arrington, his niece, LaToya Parham and his brother-in-law, Raymond Parham.He leaves to cherish his precious memories, his loving mother, Audrey Bowman; his devoted sisters, Edythe Ashlock and Deborah Parham; his nephew, Bryon Ashlock, Sr.; his great-niece, Amaya Lopez; his great-nephew, Bryon "BJ" Ashlock; his uncle, Elmore Piggott (Florence), many cousins; his devoted friends, Ricky Fauntleroy and Russell Sykes, and many other special and caring friends. A celebration of his life will be held 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 24, 2013, in New Zion Baptist Church, 3991 Longhill Road, with Dr. Robert A. Whitehead officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery. Family and friends will assemble at the church by 12:45 p.m. on Monday. Mr. Bowman may be viewed in the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Professional service entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, 757-229-3011. We will miss Buster but God saw the road getting rough and just too much for him to bear. So we say, "Sleep on and we will see each other again". We all love you and we will miss you.
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Ms. Audrey, Edythe, and Debbie, you have my condolences. You all are in my prayers. God Bless.
Ernestine Manning
July 22, 2013
Dear Edythe, my long time friend, your mom, and Debbie,
I'm truly sad for your loss. I just heard of Buster's passing and I regret that I didn't get the opportunity to speak to you at that time, send a card, or express my deepest sympathy. Buster was such a joy to be around. He will be missed by all who knew him. May God comfort you and keep you in his care!
Joanne Johnson-Cobbs
July 5, 2013
to the bowman family,Audrey and Edythe my heart is with you today for you have been so faithful to our family(Wynne family) love you all
BarbaraW Scott
June 25, 2013
Edythe & family our prayers & thoughts goes out to you and your family during this very difficult time in your life, but remember 1 Peter 5:6-7Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. We are praying for you.
Mrs. Doris Lockley & Altina & Anita and the Strong Family
June 24, 2013
To Edythe and family,just know that your dear brother and son are at peace he's now resting in the loving arms of our Father.There's JOY and PEACE, he's smiling and you to will continue to smile because of the great memories he has left you with.Glory to GOD for he is awesome.Love the Delaney Family
Gary & Melissa J. Delaney
June 24, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Donald
June 24, 2013
To The Bowman Family:
My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time of grieving. He was a gret friend and classmate who I met in the first grade.
Dennis Bogger
June 23, 2013
Please know that you are in my thoughts and PRAYERS. GOD will give you COMFORT and PEACE with the PRECIOUS MEMORIES you hold so dear to your HEART. R.I.P. BUSTER, still SMILING.
Barbara Tyler Taylor
June 23, 2013
Sorry for your loss. Praying for the family.
Natalie Dandridge
June 22, 2013
Audrey,Edythe,and Debbie,I am truly sadden to learn of the passing of dearest Buster. He will truly be missed. His pleasant manner,smile and love of people is a true testament of a what a great person Buster was. God Bless him he is at peace now. No more pain. Rest In Peace my friend.
anna martin
June 22, 2013
To Family and Friends: I was very saddened to learn of Buster's passing. My sincere condolences to you all. We were school mates and he remained a "SPECIAL FRIEND". My prayers will be with you!
Lola Gordon
June 22, 2013
a good Man has gone to claim his reward.to Audrey,Edith and the family our prayers are with you and we see you smiling at all the great warm and happy memories..
qoVadis & john wright
June 22, 2013
My prayers are with my family members at this time. May "Buster", Rest In Peace.
Nat Reid
June 22, 2013
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Whiting's Funeral Home - Williamsburg7005 Pocahontas Trail P.O. Box HB, Williamsburg, VA 23185
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