James Bowden

Jim Bowden of Dublin, Pennsylvania, passed away on August 16, 2021, after a long illness.

Born in Philadelphia on September 22nd, 1956, Jim was the only son of Jim and Mary Bowden (née Cunningham). He spent his early boyhood in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, and then moved with his family to Willow Grove, where Jim attended Upper Moreland High School.

Work was something Jim took seriously, and took pride in. After high school, he worked for several manufacturing companies, including Connecticut Instrument, Decision Data, Wiremold and--most recently--for North American Specialty Glass as a planner and purchasing manager. Jim had no interest in retiring-he enjoyed working too much.

Jim was an avid reader, and was especially fond of books about science fiction, history and politics. He seemed to be knowledgeable about almost everything, and had a particular penchant for Shakespeare and Tolkien. Jim could effortlessly quote extensive passages from both authors, and was amused that his favorite book, The Lord of the Rings, starts and ends on September 22-his birthday. Jim liked nothing better than to get into a long discussion about a book he had read...especially if the other person knew the same book.

He was proud of his Philadelphia heritage and followed all of the city's four major sports teams closely, especially the Eagles. Jim was a long-suffering Eagles season ticket holder at Veterans Stadium and then at Lincoln Financial Field, where he cheered and booed the Birds with many friends over the years. He believed that Philadelphia sports fans are the best in the country, as anyone who berated Philadelphia as "the town that booed Santa Claus" would find out--at their peril. Jim would point out, in an extended rant, that the national media should stop talking about this, as it happened more than 50 years ago...and that Santa was so pathetic that he richly deserved the boos.

Jim loved music, from Bruce Springsteen to Elvis to classic rock and classical. He also enjoyed the movies and could name every Marvel character and movie in one breath and every Springsteen album in the other.

There will be a celebration of his life on Wednesday, September 22nd, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Gathering Place, 351 W. Broad Street, Quakertown,  PA 18951.  Attendees will be encouraged to share some-not all!-of their amusing stories about Jim. It could be a long night! Dress code is “come as you are,” but we suggest you wear attire you would typically wear when spending time with Jim.

Jim had no known living blood relatives, but he truly became part of our families on sailing trips, Outer Banks vacations and golf trips to the Shenandoah Valley. The quality of the golf wasn't always great, but the quality of his company-especially Jim's jokes-was universally excellent. He was one of a kind, and we'll miss him.

Reading was a central part of Jim's enjoyment of life. Well wishers are encouraged to make a donation in Jim's name to Reading Allowed, an organization which helps struggling readers to become lifelong and joyous readers and writers. Make a donation at https://www.readingallowed.org/donate/