James Phillip Bowen , 72, of New Bern, North Carolina passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Mr. Bowen was born in 1944 on the family farm in Ryder, North Dakota, the son of the late Jim and Phyllis Bowen. He graduated from Ryder High School in Ryder, North Dakota and Wahpeton State School of Science. James served proudly in the United States Navy, having served two tours in Vietnam and retiring as a Senior Chief Engineman. He was awarded numerous commendations and medals for his service. After his service to his country, James was Service Manager at VDO/Argo Instruments, retiring in 1999. He was a true patriot who loved his country, his family and his grandchildren. James was a proud and avid Steelers fan. James was a member of Fairview Lutheran Church in Gore, Virginia. He loved his church and was very active there.

James married Donna Jessee Evans on December 9, 2011 in Wardensville, West Virginia. His first wife, Julie Ann Bowen, preceded him in death on November 15, 2006.

Surviving are wife Donna; sons, Shane Phillip Bowen (Jennifer), Joseph Allen Bowen (Michelle), and Stephen James Bowen (Laura), all of Gore, Virginia; two step-daughters, Amy Evans of Bunker Hill, WV, and Emily Evans (Robbie) of Catonsville, MD; grandchildren, Zachary, Lacca, Abby, William, Darby, Charlie, James, Ryleigh, Taylor, Eli, Ivy, and Levi; step-grandchildren, Graeme, Greyson, and Gabriella; brother, Milton Bowen of Minot, North Dakota; sisters, Joylea Knutson (Loren) of Minot, Judy Hartl (Jay) of Pine Island, MN, Lorinda Johnson (Daryl) of Garrison, Betty Bostow (Scott) of Minot, Sharon Gartner of Fargo, and Sharlene Krogh (Don) of Harwood; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents and first wife, Julie, James was preceded in death by a sister, Joyce Marie Bowen and brothers-in-law, Art Seidler of Garrison and Jerry Gartner of West Fargo.

A funeral service was held March 29 at Fairview Lutheran Church, Gore, Virginia.
Interment with military honors will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.
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(Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot, North Dakota)