James R. Bowling

James R. Bowling, 90, of Cambria and Pasadena passed from this life to join his beloved Mary Monday, Dec. 8, 2003.

Cremation has taken place. At his request there will be no services.

During his youth, James had a fascination with any type of vehicle; race cars, motorcycles and passenger cars. He built and raced midget cars at the Loyola Speedway in 1934. He also built a number of roadsters during this time. Being an avid motorcycle fan, his first bike was a 1914 Harley Davidson. He continued to ride motorcycles well into his 70s.

In July of 1942 James entered the U.S. Army and served with the Corps of Engineers. He was stationed in England and France as a model maker/cartographer preparing scale and topographical maps, models of enemy installations and equipment. He was awarded the European Theatre Ribbon with one Campaign Star. He received an honorable discharge in Oct. 1945.

Prior to James' enlistment in the service he owned and operated an art studio in Pasadena. He did work for various commercial firms and instructed classes in sculpture and fine arts. He met his wife Mary during this time and the two of them spent much of the rest of their lives creating and refining their artistic talents. Both were accomplished and well-known individuals in their respective fields. James was employed as an architect for the majority of his working life, taking part in the designing of many projects including the Alaska mapping project and the Adelaida Pump Station in San Luis Obispo county.

James will be remembered by his friends at The Village at Garden Creek with great affection. He truly was one of a kind. He enjoyed the finer things in life as well as a good discussion of politics, religion and the state of the world. A true curmudgeon at heart, he could soften up at the first glimpse of a pretty woman.



James will be dearly missed by his friend Kathleen Wafer. He brought so many things into her life that were missing. She is grateful every day that she walked the last mile with this generous and kind human being.

Arrangements are under the direction of Benedict-Rettey Mortuary and Crematory of Morro Bay.