Rev. Dr. James W. Bowers, 66, of Palmer Township, died Wednesday, January 23, 2019 in St. Luke’s Hospital, Anderson.
Born June 11, 1952 in Reading, PA, he was a son of Mary Ann (Daniels) Bowers and the late William Bowers. He and his wife, Mary F. (O’Donnell) Bowers, were married 43 years.
He was a clinical psychologist in private practice in the Lehigh Valley for 15 years. He was also the pastor at Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Emmaus until retiring last year. Prior to that he was the pastor at St. Paul’s Third Lutheran Church, Palmer Township. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Allentown and the former chaplain for the Palmer Township Police and Fire Departments.
Surviving with his wife, Mary, and his mother, Mary Ann, are two daughters, Allison Vovk and her husband, Sergei, and Julia Simko and her husband, Justin; a brother, David Bowers; a sister, Sharon Barnes; and a granddaughter, Katerina. His sister, Sandra, died earlier.
Services will be held at 4:00 pm on Sunday, January 27, 2019 in Christ Lutheran Church, 1245 W. Hamilton St., Allentown. A visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until service time on Sunday in the church. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bear Creek Lutheran Camp, www.bearcreekcamp.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Tena Rapp
January 24, 2019 at 4:29 pm
My heart goes out to Jim’s family. What a wonderful warm human being. He was a blessing to our church, He had such a easy going disposition and loved to joke and bring about a smile when ever you were in his company. With sympathy, Tena, Robert and Helen Rapp, members of Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit.
Reylene Starego
January 24, 2019 at 6:46 pm
I worked with Jim for 13 years and our time together at St. Paul’s III will always be very special to me. Prayers for Mary, Allie, and Julie. Have a blessed rest, Jim.
Kathy Soska
January 24, 2019 at 6:49 pm
Mary, Allie, and family. I’m so shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. I first got to know Pr. Jim when he came to our house in 2007 as I was providing home hospice care for my husband. His visits were always calming and uplifting. More recently, I remember the many times he led the Rejoicing Spirits services, and how at ease he was as he related to and involved all the participants. He will be sorely missed. You all are in my prayers.
Anne Fayad
January 24, 2019 at 7:26 pm
I have missed Jim ever since he retired from our church, The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit. He was a genuine caring Pastor. My sympathy to his family and friends.
MARY ELLEN HOFFMAN
January 24, 2019 at 10:40 pm
Our deepest sympathy to Mary and Jim’s family at this very sad and difficult time. Our prayers are with you all. Pastor Jim was a good man who touched our lives and he will be missed! He was so personable and approachable we loved bear creek camp days together. I personally will miss talking to him online. We are truly sorry for your Loss. Vaughn, Mary Ellen & Kyle Hoffman
Richard & Jeanne Jones.
January 25, 2019 at 12:45 am
Jim was our Pastor at St Paul’s third Palmer Twp. He Babtized our Grand Daughter Lillian. He was always our guiding light in our family over the years. To know him was to Love him. He will be forever missed. God rest his sole and God Bless his family. A-men.
Maureen Sangiorgio
January 25, 2019 at 8:35 am
Dear Mary,
I was so sad to read of Pastor Bower’s passing. He was a great help to me when I attended Holy Spirit. We used to go shooting together, and he also helped me cope with my beloved sister Carolyn’s passing. He was a very sweet, caring man. He will be forever missed. Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. XOXOXO Maureen
Diane & Bob Delaney
January 25, 2019 at 9:52 am
Julie & Family, We are so sorry to hear about your father. Our sincere sympathy, thoughts & prayers and that of family & friends will comfort you all at this time of loss.
Heidi Thatcher
January 25, 2019 at 11:42 am
To Mary & the girls –
So very sad to read about the loss of Pastor Bowers. Always have fond memories of him – he officiated my wedding and baptized my son. He was a great man and always enjoyed speaking with him. My sincere condolences as you go through this sad time.
You are in my thoughts –
Heidi (&Trey) Thatcher
Anne Reese
January 25, 2019 at 1:29 pm
Such a shock to hear about Pastor. You all were such a happy loving family when we knew you at Good Shepherd Church.
I remember asking him to go to the nic unit to baptize our daughter. When we arrived, they were giving her blood and that touched him in a special way. And just a few years ago, our youngest daughter called him for advice. She trusted him to give her direction in baptizing her baby. Which he gave her & they talked. She had planned on visiting one day but God had other plans. She, being military, recieved orders at quite a distance away.
I guess they weren’t meant to meet again in the earthly realm.
I’m sure Pastor will be having many great conversations up in the heavenly realm.
Mary, I know you will be lost without him! I will keep you on my special prayer list !
Laurie Braman
January 25, 2019 at 1:29 pm
Dear Mary and family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Praying that God’s spirit will give you comfort and peace through this loss and a renewed hope as well.
Love, Laurie
Courtney Cappelluzzo
January 25, 2019 at 2:20 pm
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Pastor Jim. He was such an amazing man I am so proud to have known him. He taught me so much about god. He will definitely be missed greatly. RIP Pastor Jim😢
Mike Bowers (cousin)
January 25, 2019 at 3:55 pm
Our condolences to Jim’s family. What a shock and still in disbelief. May ann, Dave and Sharon, please know we are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Many great memories of coming to visit all in Pennsylvania from Iowa. Jim will be missed by many. What an incredible man. R.I.P. cousin.
Mike Bowers/ Iowa
Timothy Seitz-Brown
January 25, 2019 at 8:15 pm
I remember Jim as a pastoral colleague from 1987-93 when I was in Easton. He was a fantastic, funny, wise mentor as I was beginning my ministry. May Christ’s comfort embrace and enfold his family, friends and faith community. Amen
Laura Csellak
January 25, 2019 at 8:24 pm
Mary, you, your daughters, family and Sophie are in our thoughts and prayers. We treasure memories of time together in your home, as does son Luke as he dog watched Sophie. Jim was a wise and caring friend and colleague. I especially know how he touched the lives of congregants at St. Paul’s III Lutheran Church. I know that many friends and fellow school staff will surround you with care. Know that Mark and I are here for you too.
Bob Johnston
January 27, 2019 at 12:00 pm
Jim was a wonderful “hunting buddy” for years at Bear Creek Camp. I felt doubly blessed when he answered a call to my home congregation at Holy Spirit. Always a witty and optimistic person to be around, his deep and abiding faith was a source of comfort and inspiration to all around him.
May he Rest In Peace.
Timothy Edwards
June 13, 2021 at 1:16 pm
I believe this was the jim bowers that went to wyo. high school. If it was i send my condolences. We were getting together for a 50 year class reunion and we were best friends in high school. I am just sorry i did not get in touch sooner. if it is the right person could you please let me know. again i am sorry for your loss. regretfully tim edwards class of 1970 wyomissing high school.