James Lewis Bowers

1928 - 2018

James Lewis Bowers June 22, 1928 - May 25, 2018 LA JOLLA James Lewis Bowers, 89, died May 25.Jim was known as the "dean" of American fundraising, a term he jokingly said was given to him because of his age, but which his peers attributed to him because of his many years of successful efforts in development leadership in education, the arts and health care. "There's a reason Jim Bower was known as the dean of philanthropy in San Diego," said San Diego Public Library Foundation CEO Jay Hill. "He made a lasting impact throughout San Diego. And as the San Diego Public Library Foundation's first executive director, he helped launch a library renaissance in San Diego."Jim was born June 22, 1928, in Pennsylvania to Ralph S. Bowers and Mabel L. Bowers.He served in the Army from January 1951 to August 1952, achieving the rank of sergeant. Jim began his professional life as a college and university teacher and administrator, which included fundraising activities at colleges including Carleton, Geneva, Washington, the University of Pittsburgh and Washington University. His earlier career also included serving as the executive officer of the New York Public Library and working as a political fundraiser in New York. Jim joined Scripps Health in 1970 and was involved in the development of the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation campus. He was executive vice president of Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and president of the Scripps Memorial Hospital Foundation from 1977 until his retirement in 1993. In his later years, Jim worked as a consultant, writing and speaking regularly about fundraising and board organization and development. In 1994, he received the Seymour International Honors Award, given each year by the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy to an individual recognized for distinguished leadership in philanthropy. "Through his expertise in philanthropy and dedication to our organization, Jim helped Scripps sustain and build on the legacy of our founder, Miss Ellen," said John Engle, corporate senior vice president of Scripps Health. "And he did it with style."Throughout his life, Jim volunteered his time on numerous boards in the region, including those of Scripps Health, the San Diego Public Library Foundation, the San Diego Symphony, California Western School of Law, the University Club and the Helen Woodward Animal Center. "A true gentleman and a scholar, he was the cornerstone of the University Club's Lamp of Learning scholarship and truly the giving heart and leader of the Club," said Frank Busic, general manager of the University Club. "We will always be grateful for his laughter, jokes and coaching on how to make a true contribution to our community."Jim also helped launch the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership in the early 2000s."He was a gifted story-teller and consultant to numerous significant San Diego organizations and causes for more than a half-century," said David A. Lang, former executive director of the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership. "While health and age slowed him these last few years, his intellect, enthusiasm and zest for life endured."Jim is survived by his nephews, William P. Kerns II, of Charlotte, N.C., and Edward Ellis Kerns, of Richmond, Va.; and his niece, Wendy Sue Styron, of Jacksonville, Fla.Services will be held at 1 p.m. June 20 at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego. A hosted reception will follow from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Schaetzel Center on the campus of Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, 9890 Genesee Ave., La Jolla.In lieu of flowers, it is recommended that those friends who want to make a donation in memory of Jim should make their gift in support Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla for a conference room to be named in his honor. Donations may be mailed to Scripps Health Foundation, P.O. Box 2669, La Jolla, CA 92038-2669, or made on-line at www.scripps.org/giving. For more information, please contact 858-678-6340.