James Irvin Bowser

BOWSER – James Irvin, 85, Windber, peacefully went to be with the Lord on March 12, 2023, surrounded by his family at his home in Mine #37, Windber, PA.  Born June 14, 1937, in Windber, PA, he was the son of the late Irvin and Pauline (Weaver) Bowser.  Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, he is survived by his wife Leona (Nadonley) of 65 years; son Edwin (wife Danna Bevec) of Johnstown, son Eugene (wife Christina Goch) of Johnstown, son Eric (wife Amy Edwards) of Windber and son James, Jr. of Windber; grandchildren, Zachary Bowser (fiancé Hayden) of Philadelphia, PA, Alaina Bowser of Philadelphia, PA, Logan Bowser (wife Ally) of Altoona, PA, Joshua Bowser of Johnstown, PA, Alicia Ciarimboli (husband Brenan) of Johnstown, PA, and Ashley Bowser of North Carolina who all loved their “Poppy”; sisters, Joyce (Ray) Baumgardner, Becky (Jerry) Vogel, Barabara “Punky” (widow of Steve) Weaver, Lola “Louise” (Ed) Damico, Lana “Gay” (Joseph) Sepp, Sue (widow of Dave) Schmadel; sister-in-law’s, Pauline (widow of Leonard) Nadonley and Blanche (widow of Donald) Nadonley and numerous nieces and nephews; friends of our father and the family, Andrew Peterson, Stanley Percosky, John Callihan, Rick Burgess, Bob Loftus, RJ, Edith "Tita" Vitez, the Morbit’s and Clark’s, Richland, Forest Hills, and UPJ wrestling, Fyzical, Gray Associates, the late; Fred Sherlock, Ron and Gary Lundquist, Julia Kostro, Joyce Upson, Sid Walker, Ted and Irene and Mine #37.  Jim was a Veteran, who started his life out in the United States Air Force as a Radiology Specialist / X-ray Technician in 1955.  Then he worked at a tool and die plant where he lost 2 ½ fingers on his right hand, giving him his distinguished one-of-a-kind handshake.  He then started his long career in retail, becoming a stock boy in Miracle Mart, moved on to become a District Store Manager for Ames Department Stores in PA, then onto a Regional Supervisory position with Ames that covered the east coast.  While semi-retired, he worked as a truck flagger, escorting windmill blades throughout the country with new friends seeing over 30 states in the US.  Jim was dedicated to his family, a generous neighbor, loved wrestling, gardening, cooking for his family, and shared his passion and love for the outdoors; hunting, fishing, trips to Canada and out West.  He was a Richland Elementary wrestling coach that influenced many wrestlers with his self-discipline, hard work and personal accountability mind set, most of the wrestlers went on to become successful leaders in the community.  His family built a cabin in Bedford County along Maple Run and Yellow Creek that was shared with friends and family and their children, a place where everyone loved to hunt, fish, relax and share stories.  Jim was devoted to his family and was a friend to many.  To “Poppy,” family always came first, he was selfless and always made time to counsel and mentor.  He will be deeply missed.  The family would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the VA in Johnstown that provided exceptional professional care and Windber Hospice for their compassion and caring.  The family will receive friends from 1 to 8 p.m., Friday, March 17, 2023 at Meek and Dalla Valle Funeral Home, 1312 Graham Avenue, Windber.  Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 18, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 605 Graham Avenue, Windber, with Fr. Larry.  Committal with Military Honors at 1230 p.m., Richland Cemetery, 1257 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown.  Flowers are appreciated but also in lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Trout Unlimited-Yellow Creek Coalition Chapter, c/o President, Charlie Whitman, 975 Jacks Corner Road, Hopewell, PA 16650 or Windber Hospice.

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