Jasper "JB" Bowman

BOWMAN Jasper "JB" Bowman, 83, of Chesterfield, passed away Friday, January 12, 2007. We mourn the passing of a true American hero, a member of the famed 82nd Airborne 505th Pathfinders. JB's unit led the D-Day Assault by jumping into France the night before the landing to light the way for the American troops. He received several medals for his service including East Campaign Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters and Arrowhead, Presidential Unit Citation, French Croix de Guerre, Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star (for Valor), and the Combat Infantry Badge. He served his country with honor and gallantry until receiving crippling wounds in Holland. He was a devoted member of Branch's Baptist Church and instrumental in forming the mission work for which he had a passion. JB was a devoted and loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife, Hallie; his three loving children, David Bowman and wife, Bettie, of Roanoke, Larry Bowman of Blacksburg, and Rachel Robinson and husband, Michael, of Blacksburg; two devoted and loving stepchildren, Brenda Morrison and husband, Harry, of Chesterfield, and Ronald Gunter of Richmond; 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; a sister, Betty Brown of San Diego, Calif.; two brothers, Rex Bowman of Lancaster, Pa. and Bill Bowman of Lookout Mountain, Tenn.; and his little dog, Chloe. The family will receive friends Monday, 6 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bliley Funeral Homes' Chippenham Chapel, 6900 Hull Street Rd. A funeral service will take place Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. at Branch's Baptist Church, 3400 Broad Rock Rd. Interment to follow at 1 p.m. in Virginia Veteran's Cemetery at Amelia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Branch's Baptist Church Window Fund.