James Henry Bowman

James Henry (Jimmie) Bowman departed this life for his heavenly home on April 8, 2017. He was born April 28, 1927 to Christopher Lee and Lou Ann Bowman. He was the eleventh of twelve children created from this loving union. He was preceded in death by his parents and eight of his siblings. Jimmie took the hand of Christ at a very early age and held hands with Him throughout his life. Jimmie was a lifetime resident of Charles City County residing on the same property where he was born and raised. Jimmie graduated from Ruthville High School and served in the United States Army, completing his tour of duty in Japan towards the end of WWII. After being honorably discharged from the Army he married the love of his life, Lorraine A. Christian on Jan. 15, 1949. He attended Virginia State College where he completed an industrial course in 1950. He went to work again for the Federal Government as a lead mechanic at Fort Eustis Army Base in Yorktown, Virginia. There he worked for twenty-seven years before retiring August 30, 1074 to travel and spend time with his then ill wife, Lorraine Bowman. After several years of retirement and remission of his wife's illness he went back to work in Law Enforcement, becoming a Deputy Sheriff and then Sheriff of Charles City County. Jimmie worked diligently to enforce the laws and to keep the citizens of Charles City safe. He loved his job and the people he worked with or encountered while being Sheriff. After retiring as Sheriff, he spent most of his time at home or travelling with his wife and children that were also his next door neighbors. His passion and love for his family was what he lived for. He had four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren that he never got tired of seeing. When they came around he made sure that they knew how much he enjoyed their visits. He was a very kind and extremely dedicated husband, father and grandfather. Jimmie was also very active in the community throughout his entire life. He was a model citizen of the County and participated in numerous activities and held several positions in the County over the years which included; being on the Deacon Board of Elam Baptist Church for over 50 years. He served as Vice Chairman of the Charles City School Board in 1972 becoming Chairman before ending his tenure. He was also a member of the Charles City Civic League, the PTA and the Charles City County Branch of the NAACP serving as Chairman of the organization's Consumer Protection Committee. He was the first African American to become President of the Virginia Sheriff Association being elected by his peers of predominantly White Sheriffs. Ironically he was presented this award by the first African American Governor of Virginia, The Honorable Douglas L. Wilder. His hobbies were vast but his favorites were playing dominoes, cards, and board games with his family and friends. He also liked using his back hoe to dig holes one day and then fill them back in the next. He said being on "my tractors give me peace of mind and enjoyment." He also liked to garden, go fishing with his sons and playing with his grandchildren. Jimmie leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted and loving wife , Lorraine Bowman; his loving daughter, Jackie Sharpe; his two favorite men (sons) Gary (Sharon) and Larry Bowman; four grandchildren, Stacy Sutton (Darryl), Christina Peterson, Garon James Bowman (Alicia) and Jason Sharpe; four great-grandchildren, Alexis Sutton, Austin Peterson, Darius Sutton and Hayden James Bowman. He also leaves to mourn, two sisters, Delcenia Burrell and Irene Jones; his youngest brother, Blaine W. Bowman, Sr. (Annie); a very dedicated brother-in-law, cousin and dear friend James D. Brandon, Sr. and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and a magnitude of other family members and friends. For I am ready to be offered, and the time for my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing. II Timothy 4:6:8

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James Henry Bowman

April 28, 1927 - April 8, 2017