Lester Henry Bowman Jr.

Lester Henry Bowman, Jr. , affectionately known as "the Shrimp man" passed away Tuesday February 2 at the age of 70 after a valiant battle with cancer at the Hospice of the Panhandle in Kearneysville, WV.

Born January 25, 1956 in Dravosburg, PA, Les and his family soon moved to the family farm located in Hillsboro, VA. He would become very active in the 4-H showing cattle and quarter horses on the county and state levels. During his high school years, Les would find his love for rock&roll and taught himself to play guitar. He formed a band with several friends and played several paid gigs. Les was a graduate from Loudon Valley High School in 1974.

After graduating Les attended Ferrum College where earned a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science.

Les would then find himself in Chincoteague, VA. He worked on the water clamming and fishing. Lifelong friendships would form here while partaking in one of his greatest hobbies, hunting. Whether it was sika deer or duck hunting, Les always found his peace being out in the wild.

Les worked in the time share business from Ocean City, MD to Williamsburg, VA, earning several accolades and awards along the way.

The idea of "Jumbo Seafood" was first born in West Ocean City, MD where he would have his first roadside stand. However, in 1995 he would move the stand to the West Virginia panhandle providing fresh, wild caught seafood to the area and "Les and Ali's Jumbo Seafood" was born. Whether it was "between the bridges" or the now current location at the EZ mart, Les would get to know and love so many customers over the years, always listening or sharing a story or two to whoever wanted to listen.

He was an avid forager, and an enthusiastic metal detectorist and artifact hunter.

He was a voracious reader.

He and wife Ali enjoyed traveling to warmer climes in their off season , spending extensive time in Mexico and Central America. Birdwatching was a favorite pastime while traveling.

Les continued to play his beloved guitar, playing all the way up until his diagnosis.

He was a kind and generous man and never met a stranger. He was a gifted storyteller and enjoyed sharing stories of his adventures with all.

He will be forever remembered as a devoted son, brother, father ,grandfather ,uncle, husband and friend to all who knew him.

He will be greatly missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. May he rest in peace.

Les is survived by his wife, Alice Anne James; mother, Evelyn Bowman; five children, Catie Pusey (Logan), Jessica James, Lester H. Bowman III, Chyene Truitt (Abby Morrels), Troy Mason (Chantelle Mason); three grandchildren, Camden Bowman, Beau Pusey, Elliott Pusey; one brother, Doug Bowman (Kim); sister-in-law, Keron Psillas; brother-in-law, Paul James; mother-in-law, Dianne Chalfant; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lester Henry Bowman, Sr.; and sister, Karyn Shank.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 1:00 P.M., at Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home, 256 Halltown Road, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Panhandle, 330 Hospice Lane, Kearneysville, WV 25430.