Junius A. Bowman

Bowman, Junius A.
88 of Phoenix, AZ died peacefully on February 26, 2012 following a brief illness. Born in New Orleans, LA, Mr. Bowman was a man for all seasons, full of life and love for family, friends, colleagues, community, tennis, skiing, and travel. He was a man of faith, kindness, and a desire for peace and harmony among nations and mankind. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Miriam A. (Young) of 35 years and is survived by his daughter Sharon (Bowman) Warren and granddaughter Gabrielle Warren of Tampa, FL, 3 stepchildren Sarah Laurie Edinburgh, Scotland, Jane Paige Scottsdale, AZ and Clyde Vanderbrouk Houston, TX, 6 step-grandchildren Laura Stockman Davidson, NC, R. Christian Vanderbrouk New York City, Peter Vanderbrouk Houston, TX, Jane Feachen Edinburgh, Scotland, Hilary Goldsmith San Luis Obispo, CA, Heidi Paige Kirkland, WA and 7 step-great grandchildren. Mr. Bowman was a graduate of Tuskegee University, B.S. and Masters of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology from Michigan State University. He was a veteran of WWII having served with the U.S. Army Air Force. He was President and CEO of the Phoenix Urban League from 1962 until his retirement in 1992. He contributed to the League's strong commitment and growth as an Equal Opportunity Employer by building a national model for HUD housing in 1981 for handicapped and elderly people with the help of Congressman John Rhodes and Senator Barry Goldwater as well as a partnership in 1982 with IBM to train economically disadvantaged clients. He spearheaded fund raising efforts for the PUL through an annual tennis tournament from 1974-1992, and he developed an Equal Opportunity Employer of the Year Award honoring business community members. Mr. Bowman served on the Board of Directors of Crisis Nursery, ASU Foundation, American Red Cross-Central AZ Chapter, National Conference of Christians and Jews, Phoenix Revitalization Corporation, Phoenix Union Partnership, Toby House, Inc., and Arizona Senior Olympics. He was a member of Phoenix Rotary 100, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Grand Boule, First United Methodist Church (Phoenix). He held positions and supported projects with American Heart Association, Arizona Academy, Chase Bank of Arizona, Phoenix '96 Super Bowl Committee, St. Vincent de Paul, Samaritan Health Services, Twelve Who Care, Arizona Community Foundation as well as being an enthusiastic member of the Sunshine Boys tennis group. A celebration for a life well lived will be held on Saturday, March 31 at 10:00 in the morning at First United Methodist Church, 5510 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix, AZ. A reception at the church will follow the service. Memorial contributions may be made to: The Phoenix Urban League, 1402 South 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85007 or First United Methodist Church, 5510 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012. Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Indian School Mortuary.