Bowers, James 1927-1951

BOWERS, ROBINSON

Posted By: Janet Bosler - Volunteer (email)
Date: 9/10/2013 at 18:33:50

Sioux Center News April 26, 1951

Born: 8-23-1927
Died: 4-19-1951

Lt. James R. Bowers, son of Mr. and Mrs. George E. Bowers of Alton was killed last Thursday while parachuting from an airplane. The Bowers family are well known in Sioux County. George Bowers, now postmaster at Alton was for many years editor of the Alton Democrat. The following story of the tragedy appeared in the Journal on Sunday.

Funeral services for James R. Bowers, 23, second lieutenant in the army air force were held at St. Mary's church, Alton at 9am Monday.

Lt. Bowers died late Thursday night of injuries received after parachuting from his faltering craft over Lubbock, Texas. He was on a cross country flight from Vance Field, Enid, Okla., where he had been training since February.

Lt. Bowers was born August 23, 1927, at Alton, Iowa. He attended St. Mary's Academy, Alton, where he excelled in scholastic work and in sports. The Journal gave him honorable mention in the all-state football lineup of 1944. Lt. Bowers was graduated in 1945, went into the navy after graduation, and after nearly a year of service was appointed out of the fleet to the United States Naval academy, Annapolis, MD.

He was graduated with distinction from the Academy in June 1950, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the airforce. He completed his primary training at Randolph field, Texas, and from there moved to Vance field, Enid.

Lt. Bowers is survived by his widow, the former Jean Louise Robinson, and a son, Jimmy, 9 months old; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G.E. Bowers of Alton; two sisters, Mrs. Carl J. Hentges of Alton, and Mrs. R.R. Van Nimwegen of Los Angeles, Calif.; four brothers, George W. of Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisc., Bill, John and Francis all of Alton.

Lt. Lawton Magee of Vance field escorted the body to Alton and Floyd Post 200, American Legion provided military honors at the funeral Monday.