White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – James Edwin “Jim” Bowers, 77 years old of Independence, IA, and formerly of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Colorado Springs, CO, died unexpectedly, Friday, October 23, 2020, at his home in Independence.

Jim was born November 7, 1942, in Marengo, IA, the son of Bigelow Edwin Bowers and Pauline Virginia (Frederickson) Bowers. He grew up in Cedar Rapids and graduated from Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School with the class of 1962. On October 18, 1963, he married Shirley Marie Russell in Cedar Rapids, where they raised their family. The couple later divorced. Jim served his country with the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He worked at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids for 36 years, starting in assembly and retiring in the delivery department.

Jim was an avid antique car enthusiast. He loved to work and tinker on cars, all the way to his last days. He also liked to build model cars and airplanes. Jim was a wonderful storyteller and always quick to share a story. Often the story would be about his grandchildren, who were especially important to him. He made it a point to be as involved as possible with them.

Jim is survived by his 3 children, Brian (Madelin) Bowers of Arlington Heights, IL, Kathleen Foster of Cedar Rapids, IA, Melissa (Dave) Short, Independence, IA; 6 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and his former wife Shirley (Allan) Smith of Cedar Rapids, IA. His parents preceded him in death.

Family Graveside Services will be 11:00 a.m. – Thursday, October 29, 2020, at the Marengo Cemetery, Marengo, IA, with military rites. Honorary Pall Bearers will be Miranda Hess, Austin Foster, Cory Short, Brittany Hoffman, Jacob Short, and Kolby Short.

Public visitation will be after 6:00 p.m. - Wednesday, October 28, at White Funeral Home, Independence, IA. Social distancing and masks will be required. Memorials may be directed to the family.

White Funeral Home, Independence, IA is in charge of arrangements.