James Bowles

James Vernon Bowles, 90, of Dunbarton, NH, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving daughters. Born on December 9, 1934, Jim lived a life full of adventure, service, and devotion to his family. He will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, and the unwavering support he gave to those he loved.

Jim graduated from Wappinger Central High School in Wappingers Falls, NY, in 1952. Shortly after, he proudly served three years in the U.S. Army Ordnance Battalion, stationed at Fort Monmouth, NJ, and Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD, with 18 months of overseas service in West Germany. His commitment to service continued for 30 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, retiring in 1995 as Commander of the 351st Army General Hospital at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, MA.

While attending Ithaca College, Jim met the love of his life, Judy. The two married and spent 63 wonderful years together, sharing a passion for dancing, traveling, football, and raising their four children—Judy, Patty, Brian, and Dede.

Jim was a man of many talents. An avid horseman, a skilled leatherworker, and a natural athlete, he excelled in bronc riding, figure skating, skiing, ski jumping, sailing, scuba diving, and parachuting. In 1951, he won a gold medal in shot put at the Dutchess County, NY, track and field meet. His love for the outdoors was lifelong, and he took immense pride in caring for his beloved farm at historic Bailey’s Corner in Dunbarton, NH.

Beyond his many personal pursuits, Jim dedicated over 50 years to his career as a physical therapist, making a profound impact on the lives of his patients. He worked at Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation in Antrim, NH, Souhegan Home and Hospice Care in Milford, NH, Tucson Medical Center in Tucson, AZ, Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, NH, Sports Works for the Elliot in Manchester, NH, and St. Joseph Rehab Services in Merrimack, NH. Later, as the Director of Physical Therapy at St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua, NH, he was recognized for his outstanding contributions to youth sports in the greater Nashua area. Even after retirement, his passion for helping others never waned.

Jim’s generosity extended far beyond his professional work. As a dedicated member of the Partners of America program, he worked closely with the Governor of Fortaleza, Brazil, to provide wheelchairs, walkers, and prosthetics to those in need. He was also a pioneer in bringing physical therapy techniques to thoroughbred racehorses at Rockingham Park in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Jim was his family’s biggest supporter. He rarely missed a lesson, horse show, or event for his daughter Deirdra and took great pride in enlisting, commissioning, and retiring his daughter Judy in the US Navy. He was an integral part of his grandson Tom’s athletic journey—serving as an assistant wrestling coach at Goffstown Middle School and earning the title “Coach Bowles” with the Goffstown High School football teams from 2006 to 2009. From 2010 to 2016, he took great joy in pulling the grill trailer for Williams College football, where he was a proud member of the "Purple People Feeders," helping cook meals for the team and their families.

Above all else, Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his children, Judith Margaret Bowles, Patricia Marie Bowles, and Deirdra Batchelder; his grandchildren, Tom Foote, Katy Foote, Brianna Bowles, Alexa Bowles, Kory Bowles, Sara Bowles, and Savannah Bowles; and his great-grandchildren, Ava Lamphere, Oliver Lamphere, Charlee Gallagher, Orion Bowles, Koa Bowles, and Brian Bowles. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Mary Wilde, his nieces Megan Wilde and Michela Wilde, and his beloved horse Joe and dog Moses. Jim was cherished by his extended “PT family” at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Nashua and his “Barn Family” at Thorberchon Farm in Dunbarton.

Jim is now reunited with his beloved wife of 63 years, Judith Margaret (Wilde) Bowles, and his son, Brian Edward Bowles, who passed away in 2021.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N Main St, Concord, NH. Visitation will take place from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, followed by a service from 3:00 to 4:00 PM. Military honors will be rendered at 4:00 PM. A private burial will take place at New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Live and Let Live Farm in Chichester, NH.

Jim’s adventurous spirit, lifelong service, and boundless love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His family takes comfort in knowing that his legacy of kindness and strength will continue to inspire for generations to come.