James "Jim" K. Bowling
Edwardsville - James K. "Jim" Bowling, age 72 of Edwardsville, IL was born September 1, 1951, in Scottsburg, IN. He peacefully passed away August 15 after a prolonged illness at his residence, surrounded by his family.
Jim was a retired technical director at Anheuser-Busch. He obtained his bachelor's degree in fine arts and communications from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He enjoyed woodcarving (especially Santa carvings), fishing, restoring antique International Harvester tractors (red tractors only!), playing his dulcimer, and model train building. Jim loved camping with his family and traveling with his wife and dog in their RV. He loved going all out with custom Halloween decorations to the fright and delight of trick or treaters. He was a year-round Santa to any child that gave him a double take from the look of his fantastic Santa beard and jolly demeanor. He had a unique and irreverent sense of humor and style whose absence will be felt and missed by his friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen (nee McDaniel) Bowling; his older sister, Sandra "Sandy" Klopfer; his older brother, Robert "Bob" Bowling; a niece, Sherry Love; and sister-in-law, Rachel Bowling.
He leaves behind his loving wife Sabrina (nee Grotefendt) Bowling, whom he married July 28,1984; two children: Aaron Bowling and Emily (Ethan Riepl) Bowling; niece Robin (Micah) Blunt, Samantha Smugala, Nicole(Jared) Haukap, nephews Scott Klopfer, and Jordan Smugala who he held dear; great niece and nephew, Wyatt and Grace Blunt, who were like grandchildren to him; a great-great nephew, Liam Walker who we are thankful he was able to meet; a sister, Sharon Davis; sister-in-law, Shari Smugala; and two brothers-in-law: Dan Klopfer and Tom Smugala, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and their children.
Private services will be held, and a Celebration of Life is being planned for October. More details to follow later.
Memorials are suggested to the Saint Louis Zoo Wildcare Institute or The Gardens at SIUE which will be designated to the Donal Myer Arboretum and will be received at Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at barrywilsonfuneralhome.com

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Published by Edwardsville Intelligencer on Aug. 19, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for James Bowling

5 Entries

Joe Kramer

August 22, 2024

I knew Jim during our time working with Jim at Busch Creative. Jim was an excellent tech director overseeing many of our important business meetings and beer brand marketing shows. He was a great guy and every year was our fun loving Santa Claus for all the employees´ kids that came to our company´s Christmas Party. Great memories. Rest in peace Jim.

Vickie Fricke

August 22, 2024

I spent a lot of time with Jim back in the day when we were working at Maritz. We carpooled in those days since we were both coming out of Edwardsville. Jim was one of the best and funniest person I have had the pleasure of knowing. He had a way of turning a phrase that would make you do a spit-take but you never forgot how funny it was. There are many that I remember like it was yesterday. Some of them I still repeat from time to time in the proper company. He was a great guy back in the day and If I know anything about his character, he was great forever! I know he will be missed by everyone who knew him, My deepest sympathies to Sabrina and his children.

V. J. Dickson

August 21, 2024

So sad to hear of Jim's passing. He had a wonderful personality as he carried out his work at Busch Creative Services. May his family know what a kind, competent man he was; and may you receive comfort and strength from your support system.

Aunt Glenna Bowling Broady

August 20, 2024

I watched Jimmy grow up to be a great man with a winning personality, always a delight at Bowling family gatherings. I saw the love his family had for him and each other and know he will be missed.

Kathy Allen

August 19, 2024

Sincere condolences to Jim´s family. Prayers for comfort at this difficult time.

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