James Ira Bowen

James Ira Bowen, known to most as “Jimmy,” lost a courageous battle with an unbeatable opponent, Pancreatic cancer, on May 27, 2021. He entered into his eternal rest, peacefully, at home, surrounded by his family as he wished.

Jimmy attended the public schools of York, SC. He was a 1968 graduate of Jefferson High School, where he helped lead the Blue Devils in back to back State Basketball Championships in 1967 and 1968. His love of sports, combined with his athletic abilities, paved the way for his college career in Minnesota. He was a scholarship athlete at Minnesota State-Moorhead University. His basketball legacy is forever cast in stone as he still holds the record for most points scored in a game. The Dragon Athletic Hall of Fame welcomed him in 1994. While at Minnesota State-Moorhead, he met his best friend and wife, Teresa, who was also a student there.

Jimmy continued to build his future in Minnesota. Always dedicated and hard working, he worked in sales in the manufacturing sector until he retired. During his life, he always found time for his love of sports, whether it was playing, watching or coaching. He set a high bar of excellence for adult slow pitch softball players, competing on the best teams in the country, starting with the Professional Minnesota Norseman team. He was honored to be inducted into the USSA Hall of Fame, the USSSA Hall of Fame and the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame. In addition, he was awarded with numerous MVP awards and championship rings throughout his softball years.

After retiring in 2016, Jim loved to referee 3rd & 4th grade basketball. He was also proud of his gardening skills and kept a beautiful yard filled with plants and flowers. He valued and enjoyed the many “garage logic” sessions with his friends. He always found time to attend high school football and basketball games simply for the love of the game. In addition, he was a loyal and passionate fan of the Minnesota State-Mankato Maverick Football team, where his son, Chance, follows in his athletic footsteps.

Along with his parents, Thomasina Smith Bowen and James Madison Bowen, he is preceded in death by his beloved brothers, Gilbert Smith Bowen and Johnny Rufus Bowen; and his son, Arese Wylie Bowen.

Left to celebrate and forever be inspired by his life are his wife, Teresa L. Bowen, daughter, Kellie D. Taylor, and son, James C. Bowen all of Minneapolis, MN; four grandchildren: Shaqua, Natanya, Skylar and Gianni; three sisters, Ella L. Bowen of York, SC, Brenda B. Kennon (Charles) of McConnells, SC, and Nancy Patricia Kennon (Larry) of Rock Hill, SC; two brothers, Thomas P. Bowen and William C. Bowen both of York, SC; a special niece, Kimberli Y. Bowen and a special nephew, Justin T. Bowen, both of York, SC.

Also left with beautiful memories, humorous stories and incredible respect are his brothers and sisters-in-law in Minnesota, and his many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends in both Minnesota and South Carolina.

We will mourn the man who is gone, but he would want us to remember him as he lived.

Funeral services will be 1:00 pm, Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in McConnells, SC, with Rev. Dr. Anthony Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm prior to the service.

Services will be live streamed via the funeral home's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WrightFH1914

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