In Memory

James A. Bowers

James (Jim) Bowers of North Chatham died peacefully March 24 after a period of declining health. He was 79. Jim was born in Montclair NJ on May 5, 1943, graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1965, and, from 1977 to 2000, he and his wife Mary owned the Chatham Bakery. After layoffs from engineering jobs with Kodak and Xerox in the early 1970's, Jim moved to Ann Arbor MI, grew a beard and long hair (his mother lamented he was no longer a "clean-cut science guy"), joined a rock band, then a jazz band, and met his future wife Mary. Like many young people at that time, they wanted to travel a different path. Jim took a baking course at a community college in Detroit. They were intrigued by an ad for a bakery - "Beat the Rat Race! Come to Cape Cod!" - in the New York Times. They took out Jim's road atlas, saw Chatham at the elbow, and said "Let's go!" In March 1977, they were the proud owners of the Chatham Bakery. In their hands, it became a much-loved local institution. Everything was made from scratch and every customer had their favorite: the hard rolls, the squash rolls, the tiger tails (only on Sunday), and, of course, the donuts. After 24 years from May to October, they sold the bakery in 2000. Jim's personality was unique. He was the youngest, and only son, of a family of fiercely independent and opinionated women. As a result, no doubt, he was the opposite: measured, methodical, non-judgemental. For Jim, everything was mildly amusing yet thought-provoking, and he always took a moment before weighing in on any topic. As an engineer, he had an insatiable curiosity and immense knowledge of How Things Work. Always generous with his time and expertise, he was the go-to friend when your computer acted up, the lights flickered, or the furnace didn't work. He was truly an old soul in the best sense of the words. He was playful and mischievous, took great joy in small things, loved the droll humor of Bob and Ray, and never met a corny joke he didn't love. He remained upbeat in his last years of failing health, never complaining, ever optimistic. Always gentlemanly, unfailingly kind and supportive, Jim is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Crea Bowers, and many devoted nieces and nephews. The family will scatter his ashes this summer in Maine.



 
go to bottom 
  Post Comment
    Prior Page
 Page  

05/07/23 08:45 AM #5    

Eric Davidson

What a well written obituary! The portrait of Jim's life is a fine contribution to mankind. Congratulations on living it!


05/07/23 09:02 AM #6    

Bob Murphy

That obituary describes perfectly the Jim Bowers I remember. It's always risky to call someone "interesting", but at MHS Jim was the most interesting guy in every positive sense of the word. It's not surprising that he did something that most of us would consider out of the ordinary, and equally unsurprising that he did it well.


05/07/23 09:39 AM #7    

Donna Littlefield (Grieves)

I remember Jim as always a nice happy person and fun. So glad to hear he had quite a unique life. I understand his connection to Maine for his mother lived "in town" as we call Damariscotta. Not to far from our home here in Bristol. May his family enjoy all their wonderful memories.


05/07/23 12:09 PM #8    

Jeff McKenzie

I think Ron Owens said it best. Sorry to hear he’s gone and I was down in that area many times I didn’t know.

05/07/23 12:09 PM #9    

Jeff McKenzie

I think Ron Owens said it best. Sorry to hear he’s gone and I was down in that area many times I didn’t know.

05/08/23 02:27 PM #10    

Maria Mather

I'd known Jim(my) since we were small children.  Our parents were friends, and both families had ties to Damariscotta and Bristol, Maine, where mine visited my Aunt Erica most summers.  Like Ron Owens, I've failed to keep in contact with so many people I used to know.  Reading Jim's delightful obit made me regret that he has been one of them.  He grew up to be a thoughtful, conscientious, complex, colorful, and thoroughly interesting human being.  The world and I have a lot to miss now that he's gone.  Vale, Jim.


05/08/23 03:02 PM #11    

Virginia Green (Kupper)

 

What a wonderful obituary! Sounds like they had a ful,full life. I love these stories, just taking a leap out into the world without any safety net.
i spent a fair amount of time in Chatham, playing golf and visiting friends.....wish I'd known. 
I think I remember him as a gentle person. So nice so many classmates have fond memories of him. Maybe we could arrange regional get togethers. I live in Jacksonville area, willing to organize , drive hour or 2 in either direction. 
let's hear it for Jim   
ginny green

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


05/08/23 04:46 PM #12    

Frank Quinby

I remember Jim as kind, funny, and cool.  While in high school, I was especially appreciating his kindness. Seems that he and his wife eventually took the "road less travelled", with community engagement and maybe some of that kindness as values underlying his career as a baker.  Here's to a life well-lived! 


05/09/23 12:26 AM #13    

Allan Breithaupt

Absoltuely wonderful obituarJy. Jim had all the characterists as cited in other obits. One that struck me greatly

was his extraordinary and   stunning "ear' for jazz. piano (..Also took up the sousaphone to bolster the marching band.)  We jammed alot together in the auditorium. I did not see him againn after h igh school  until,one day I walked into his bakery in Cape Cod. I asked if Mr. Bower was around and was led to the back of the store. There he ws covered in white flour mixing a big vat of future pastries. When I said "Hi Jim" , he said "Allan" without turning around. We got uo to date and reminisced for quite awhile. It was great and  formed a lasting and unforgetable memory. RIP

 


06/12/23 05:22 PM #14    

Carolyn Cardinal (Walker)

I knew Jimmy from being toddlers as he lived a practically across the street.  One thing I have always remembered - he and I were the only two in our kindergarten class who didn't cry on the first day!  We had a lot of fun through the years.   Jim was a great musician - could jazz the Edgemont orchestra up and actually make us sound good!   The last time I was with him was at a party at my house shortly before I moved to Houston in 1966.  A night when he really "jazzed" it up on the piano!    Rock the heavens, my friend, and God bless his family.    He will always remain the fun-loving, kind-hearted, often adventurous friend I knew growing up.

 

  

 


go to top 
  Post Comment
    Prior Page
 Page