Jay J. Bowman

Jay (Jay-bird) Bowman passed away in St. Petersburg, FL on February 11, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Ann Bowman. He is survived by his sisters, Nancy-Rae Adams and Lori Bowman; his nephews, Don Bowman, Zachary Bryant; and his niece, Katie Bryant.

Jay graduated from Sullivan South High School in Kingsport, TN and worked for many years at Motz's Pizza in Colonial Heights. The owners and employees there were especially kind to Jay, embracing and accommodating his special needs. Their patience and friendship meant the world to Jay and his family.

In his younger years, Jay loved exploring the hills and caves of East Tennessee with his friends. He found his greatest joy on the water at Boone Lake, where he excelled at water skiing and knee boarding. He was remarkably talented and, in a different era with stronger inclusion programs, could easily have been part of a Special Olympics team.

Life was not always easy for Jay, but you would never have known it from meeting him. He carried a bright smile and always had a conversation ready for anyone willing to share a moment. During his time living in Gulfport, FL he loved to hang out at the corner store and strike up conversation with anyone who would stop and chat. Animals seemed to sense his kindness and were naturally drawn to him. Later in life, he spent countless hours at his assisted living home patiently taming wild squirrels, forming quiet bonds that reflected his tender heart.

In honor of Jay's life, please consider paying it forward in a small but meaningful way. Donate to an animal shelter, show kindness to someone who may feel unseen, or simply buy an extra bag of bird food just for the squirrels.