James (Jim) Robert Bowser

James (Jim) Robert Bowser passed away at the age of 82 in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, on November 27, 2023. Jim was born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania on January 24, 1941.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James A. Bowser and Mildred L. Sladiski Bowser.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lucy Walker Bowser, whom he married on February 18, 1984, his sisters, Joan Faybik, Dorothy Lingenfelter and Shirley Allen, aunt Mildred Schorr and cousin Leanna (Richard) Ryba. He is also survived by his children, Brian (Rose) Howard, Lara (Alan) Stagg and Danny (Paula) Howard. He was known as "Pap" by his grandchildren, Nichole (Ben) Morton, Ariel (Brian) Robbins, Trey Howard, Dylan (Hanna) Krueger, Faith Krueger, Mary Evelyn (David) Procopio, Meredith Howard and Micah Howard. Jim had four great-grandchildren, Lucas, Gunner, Carson, and Oliver, and was eagerly awaiting the birth of his fifth great-grandchild, expected in late December 2023. His family had also recently expanded by the addition of 5 foster great-grandchildren, Tyler, Daniel, River, Carson, and Gabe. Along with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jim is also survived by Pumpkin, his orange tabby cat. Jim was Pumpkin's favorite person, and she would look for him and wait outside his door until he came to pet her.

Jim graduated from New Kensington High School in May 1958. While Jim was born in Pennsylvania, he was a resident of Maryville, Tennessee, for 44 years. He worked at Alcoa for more than 30 years, earning many awards and securing several patents for his accomplishments. One of his best-known inventions is the Bowser Bar, which was utilized in Alcoa's Can Reclamation operation for many years. Jim also served in the Army for six years.

Jim was a devoted Christian and a member of Victory Baptist at Pistol Creek. He spent quiet time in his Bible every evening and participated with the Gideons since 2006, serving as the organization's Blount South president for a period.

Jim was an avid Steelers fan and had a whole room devoted to the team's memorabilia. He loved collecting coins, especially pennies, and had an eagle eye for what made something special. He was known for his jokes at the dinner table and could often be found afterwards watching the game and enjoying some ice cream.

Jim was a golfer his entire life, always making sure to get his practice in even while traveling. He hit many holes in one and won several tournaments. He used to hit buckets of balls out in the country and would pay his grandchildren in dimes for finding them.

Receiving friends will be held at Victory Baptist at Pistol Creek in Maryville, TN on Wednesday, December 6th from 5:00 to 7:00pm with services to follow. A private family interment will be held at Bethel Cemetery in Townsend.