James N. Bowman

Effectively, Jim was my older brother. Have known Jim "Little Bo" (his Dad was "Big Bo" to me) ALL MY LIFE aka since I was 3. 1ST time I ever saw TV was at Jim's home. Big Bo and i shared an affinity for fireworks/cherry bombs and blockbusters. My Dad was Jim's HS Coach/mentor /father-confesssor/confidant/softball team mate and co-worker. The Bowman/Terrill connection ran long and deep. Heard about that ship sailing all my life. Bo started recruiting me to USAFA in 1959, I was told I had no...

Thank God for Jim and Mae Bowman, two of the most special and impactful people in my life. How in the world a Buckeye and Wolverine could have a civilized phone conversation in 1987 that ended with a commitment to give a 180lb Columbus kid a shot to play D1 football at his dream institution is beyond me but somehow Billy Hill and Jim Bowman hit it off and worked it out. Coach Bo changed my life's course as he did for soooo many Fightin' Falcons. Sending prayers of comfort, peace, and strength...

My mom, Catherine Wilburn, worked for Bo for many years in the AFA recruiting office. I heard Bo stories many many times while growing up. He was a good boss, very kind to my mom and dad and always had a smile. My thoughts and prayers to his family.

What an honor and a privilege it was to work with Bo. His impact on our Air Force and on our nation were significant, positive, and long lasting, just as it was on those of us lucky enough to know him. He never had a bad snap.

Great Coach, Great Friend, Great Man. He touched many lives. For those of us who played for him, worked with him, and loved him, he will always be part of us. Rest In Peace, Bo. We will see you again.

Coach Bo was a good man. He cared about the Cadets and Air Force Academy. And he could tell stories! Sorry to hear of his passing. Swanie.