James Bowden Jr.

James Bowden Jr. Muskegon, MI Age 83, passed away Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at a Muskegon hospital. He was born June 11, 1924, in Lansing to James and Leah (Brokaw) Bowden, and he married Ann Meriam on January 29, 1949. James was a minister of Lakeside Chapel in Park Lake, MI from 19501960, South Okemos Church from 19621972, Valley Farms Baptist Church from 19801989. During this time, he was the superintendent for 17 years at Lansing Christian School, after which he ministered to college students in East Lansing through "Sonshine House." He was a member of Mona Shores Baptist Church in Muskegon, very active in Maranatha Missionary and Bible Conference and was an avid hunter. James was a veteran of the U.S. Navy Air Corps serving during WWII. Survivors include his wife, Ann of 59 years; two daughters, Cathy (Dennis) Bytwerk of Mason, MI, Kay (Doug) Bytwerk of Spring Lake, MI; three sons, Kent Bowden of Lansing, MI, James (Martha) Bowden III and Calvin (Amy) Bowden, both of Mason, MI; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and two sister-in-laws, Betty Bowden of Lake Odessa, MI, and Pauline Meriam of Elsie, MI. The funeral service for James will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 1, 2008 at South Church with James Bowden III and grandson, McKeel Bowden, officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the student ministries annex, and also Saturday one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to Lansing Christian School. Please visit www.klaassenfuneralhome.com where you can sign the online guest book or share a memory with the family. Klaassen Family Funeral Home (616) 842-9495.